WAITING PATIENTLY - Jewell Utt
I’m patiently waiting for this weather to pass. To enjoy Spring with its warmth, flowers, and new inspiration. Waiting can serve as a good time to rely on God and to assess circumstances, but there’s a downside. Are you wise in your waiting?
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4
Waiting on the Lord, during a time of dedicated prayer, is a wise thing: a move, a career change, a ministry burden, a family issue. We earnestly seek clear direction because we know He works all things together, with us in the loop…Romans 8:28
But when we see others move ahead while we’re still waiting it can spur on impatience, jealousy, self-dependence. Still the Bible instructs us to keep focused on God, not others. Psalms 37:7 says, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”
Waiting helps to build trust. When we remember what He has accomplished through us in the past, we realize He is able to do it again. Even though we don’t see change, we trust groundwork is being accomplished. The key is to keep focused on God’s purpose, not our plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Waiting strengthens our hope. With the quiet confidence of an unknowing child, we believe God has our best interests at heart. It’s hard to quell doubt, but in so doing we gain rewards. Isaiah 40:31 says, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” So we strive to keep focused on God, not self.
Waiting is a verb. God doesn’t intend for us to sit back and do nothing. Otherwise we’d be waiting for a steady income without applying for a job. Waiting for better things without being a good steward of what we have. Waiting for finances to improve without changing poor spending habits. Waiting for a partner to begin life. Waiting for someone to bless without reaching out. Waiting to focus on God at a better time of the day. Without action we’re prone to complacency, discontent, worry. God’s currency brings us peace. God invites us to come (Mt 11:28) and to draw near (Ja 4:8).
Waiting with wisdom apart from a relationship with Christ, is like expecting a room to clean itself. God patiently waits to be gracious to all, who come to Him, by faith in Jesus Christ.
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4
