When I was growing up, my family was very punctual, more so than we are currently. We would always arrive places 30 minutes early because that is how both of my parents were raised. My parents passed that trait down to myself and a lot of my siblings. Time is not the only thing my parents were punctual about. They raised us to get assignments and tasks done early and completed effectively. However, in being an adult now, I have realized that is not how everyone was raised. A lot of people that I encounter tend to be right on time or late, whether that be in arriving somewhere or completing tasks. In this, there have been many times where I have to sit in the waiting. In the waiting, I would love nothing more than to get out of the waiting and for those people to come through.
I constantly have to be reminded that this is not how the Lord operates. His timing is perfect and I have to trust in that. In the waiting, God wants us to press into His presence and wait patiently before Him. It's often in the seasons of waiting on the Lord where I learn the most about Him and His character. He is sovereign and He is faithful!
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart;
wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
Prayer Tip #21 - Pray for Faith in the Waiting.
In the seasons of waiting, I love to lift up songs of praise to the Lord. It is refreshing to my soul and reminds me that the Lord has a plan and a purpose for my life. A song that I get reminded of constantly is "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller:
"I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy no, but faithfully I will wait
Yes, I will wait."
In the waiting, there is beauty to come from it. It will be difficult and it will be very confusing at times, but remaining faithful to the Lord will be worth it! Songs of praise, prayer, and meditating on His Word day and night are a few ways we can be productive in the season of waiting. Don't give up. It may not seem worth it right now, but I believe the Lord will bless those who remain faithful to Him in the waiting.
In the waiting of 15 years to be king, David sang psalms to the Lord. God granted a lot of success and favor with his people when he was king. In the waiting, when everything was taken away from Job, he sat in silence for seven days surrounded by friends. God blessed Job, restored everything that Job had lost, and even doubled it all. In the waiting of 40 years, Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In the waiting of 20 years, Rebekah gave birth to Jacob and Esau. In the years of Joseph waiting in prison, he trusted in God and the Lord blessed him through that. In the waiting for a breakthrough, Daniel remained persistent in fasting and praying to the Lord. The Lord sent an angel in response to his prayers. In the waiting of 30 years, Jesus began His ministry.
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Pray for a persistent faith to the Lord in the waiting.
Pray for a love for the Lord and His Word in the waiting.
Ask the Lord for clarity in the waiting.
Pray for a trust in God's perfect timing.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for who You are. I thank You that You remain faithful even when we do not. I thank You for the season of waiting. I pray for a persistent faith to You in the waiting. I ask that You will reveal to me what You will in this season of waiting even when I do not understand. I pray that I will trust in You and Your perfect timing. I ask that I will have a love for You, Your Word, and Worship during this time. May I never forget who You are and the unconditional love You portray. May I always be in remembrance of You and what You have done for me.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!