Pits are Not Permanent Places
Do you ever silently mutter God I am so tired of waiting for you to do something! Or do you ask yourself: What is God doing while I’m waiting? I’ve done both! Probably most of us have also beseeched God to just do something—to show that He’s listening and going to change our situation. But over time, I’ve learned to reflect on some of God’s ways, and to ask instead:
What if God has deeper purposes for making us wait? What if it is a tool He uses to mold and mature those who walk with Him?
I’ve been writing this month on the theme: THRIVE—NO MATTER WHAT, based on Joseph’s story. Waiting on God to change his circumstances was an on-going faith-challenge. But God had not forgotten him, even though it was 13 years after he landed in a pit, courtesy of his jealous brothers, before he landed in Egypt’s palace. Many others in Scripture also waited on God’s perfect timing: Noah waited—for the rains to come and the rains to stop! David waited many years to be anointed king, long after he was first anointed by Samuel. Abraham waited 25 years from God’s promise of a son to holding Isaac in his arms. Micah the prophet said, “I wait for God my Savior, My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).The Psalmist urged, “Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
Want to know why God makes us wait? Here are three key reasons:
Waiting Develops Persevering Faith. When God doesn’t answer at once, we learn to keep praying as Jesus told us to (Luke 18:1), to draw close, to rehearse what we know and believe about Him, to watch for signs of His answers (1 Kings 18:42-44).
Waiting Purifies Our Faith. It allows the Holy Spirit to search our hearts (Psalm 139: 23-24). What’s my motive for wanting this? Is this God’s desire for me? Can I say, “Not my will but Yours be done?”
Waiting is a Preparation Time. Sometimes what God plans to do is not ready yet. He might be working in your heart to bring a deeper level of surrender to His will. Maybe, there are some skills that you need to work on, or there’s an area of emotional growth and self-understanding that needs attention. He might also be preparing another person to open doors that you cannot imagine right now (Isaiah 46:11b).
God knew what He was doing in Joseph’s life—and He knows what He is doing in yours, my friend. Will you trust His wisdom and love in your “waiting season”? Will you tell Him that right now? Next week I’ll share a story that taught me these truths and affected my life and ministry!
Let's Talk: How have you seen yourself grow through waiting on God? How do these three truths about waiting encourage you today? I’d love to know.
Blessings,
Poppy