When God Asks You to “Wait”
What will be your response? Mine will be, “Lord, I will wait!”
A woman approached me with an intriguing question one day not too long ago. She asked,
“With all the fulfilling satisfactions gained by impulsive behaviors and the choosing now over tomorrow syndrome in our world today, how can one be patient and wait for God’s timing? And why?”
Her comment came unexpectedly as I expected her to ask a question about the training we had just completed. Nevertheless, it helped me recognize the marvel of God’s perfect timing through the beautiful outcomes I experienced by choosing to wait for His timing.
Waiting can be arduous, but it can also reveal the significance of patiently abiding by God’s timing.
As stated in Habakkuk 2:3, “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”
Perhaps you have been patiently waiting to reach your desired destination. Understandably, each disappointment may cause your vision to waver.
Despite these feelings, I kindly encourage you to relinquish your personal sense of timing and actively await God’s designated moment.
Have you noticed that I mentioned “wait actively”? Does that appear to be a contradiction in terms?
Well, waiting is not the same as giving up. It is not a passive surrender to discouragement. Instead, it is an active and proactive stance.
God instructed Joshua and the nation of Israel to “get ready” (Joshua 1:2).
Waiting does not imply idleness or inaction. On the contrary,
* It requires a significant amount of attempt.
* Waiting serves a specific and meaningful purpose in God’s plan.
* Waiting prepares us to fulfill our mission effectively.
* It demands focus, perseverance, and readiness to serve when the moment arises.
Remember the renowned minutemen? They stood prepared “at a moment’s notice” to be summoned into action before and during the American Revolution.
When asked about his preparation for becoming a starting quarterback, Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Daunte Culpepper highlighted the significance of his previous role as a backup.
He diligently observed every play, meticulously studied his opponents, keenly observed the starting quarterback, and engaged in mental drills, visualizing his actions for each play. While acknowledging the challenges of waiting, he emphasized the substantial rewards that materialized when he finally received his opportunity. Indeed, a commendable response!
My dear friend, @Daniel Frutiger, once posed a thought-provoking question to me during a period of anticipation. He inquired, “What shall you occupy yourself with while you await?” His intention was not to suggest that I engage in trivial pursuits but rather to guide me towards focusing on actions that would prepare me to fulfill my vision, even before its designated time.
Just as we would approach any significant business venture, conducting thorough due diligence, research, and groundwork is wise before embarking on the endeavor.
When God calls upon you to wait, it is with the same authority as when He summons you to act. Preparation serves as the initial step in overcoming any feelings of self-doubt. Utilize this period of waiting to “get ready for your calling.”
If you harbor feelings of inadequacy, seek the necessary training to bolster your confidence. If the unknown overwhelms you, conduct thorough research to make informed decisions. Should your task appear insurmountable, devise step-by-step strategies to progress towards its accomplishment gradually. Before you realize it, the moment will arrive when God calls you to “Go!” and you will be prepared to take that first step.
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