IN WORD – Waiting quietly is not what most of us do best. We prefer to be activists, at least in the matters that pertain to us. Perhaps we like to maintain an illusion of control. Perhaps we just don’t trust other people as much as we trust ourselves. Regardless, it’s against our nature to wait patiently when we think we might be able to affect an outcome.
We make a statement when we act. We are answering all our questions about God: Does He care? Does He have a will in the situation? Does He intervene in our affairs? Does His Word have something to say about our situation? Every time we act, we are answering these questions one way or another, at least for the matter at hand. Maybe we don’t realize how loaded with meaning our behavior is, but it is profound. Almost everything we do indicates our beliefs about God.
God tells us how to approach life. We are to come to every situation with faith, an expectation of His goodness, and a desire to do His will. While we would like these heart attitudes to be instantaneous, they rarely are. They take time, and therefore we must approach each situation with time and thoughtfulness. Whenever we find ourselves in a difficulty, instead of barging our way out of it along the path of least resistance, as we are prone to do, we must first ask the Lord His will, wait for His answer, and let Him take the initiative by preparing the way before us. His is not an instant way.
IN DEED – Ask yourself why it is hard to wait sometimes. Is it impatience with the situation? A desire to be in control? A suspicion that God is not going to intervene? Let God search your motives, and then search His will. Wait quietly until He reveals it. Doors will open and victories will fall into your hands, rarely in your timing, but always in His. Waiting quietly demonstrates trust like nothing else. It is a way to honor Him. “Simply wait upon Him. So doing, we shall be directed, supplied, protected, corrected, and rewarded.” —Vance Havner (in “Walk with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

Waiting on the Lord is indeed challenging because it requires us to submit to God’s will and God’s timing. But isn’t that what it means to follow Jesus? Eternal life is just a benefit of being a Christian. The essence of being a disciple of Jesus is to put our complete trust in Him and His plans, purposes, and provision for our lives.
If you need a reminder, take time to read Genesis 12 – 50 this week and meditate on what God is doing in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Consider how God shapes them and reflect on the consequences of each action and where each person ends up in life. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you to develop the same faith and obedience. You will find your life dramatically changed not only each day, but in the coming months and years ahead. Have a blessed week! from Taipei, Pastor Sam