God is in the Waiting

I’ll be the first to admit I don’t like waiting. Initially, if it looks like a short wait, that’s alright, but as time progresses and nothing happens, my patience runs thin.

There are numerous places where we can learn the art of waiting. Airports, restaurants, bus stops, amusement park rides, and lines to receive help, such as food pantry hand-outs, help teach us patience. Other places include doctor offices, Emergency rooms, grocery stores, and banks. The list is endless.

What about seasons in our lives when we feel our prayers are not getting past the ceiling?

All through history, and especially in the Bible, we are told of individuals who waited on God. Jesus was age 30 when He began His ministry; Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness and was 80 years of age when God spoke to him through the burning bush; David waited 15 years to become king; Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac to be born. Thankfully, not every prayer request that is affirmed means a lengthy season of waiting. Remember, God is in the waiting. He promised to never leave or forsake us ( Hebrews 13:5).

There was a 400-year silence between the Old and New Testaments. Hope came alive through the mention of the forerunner of the Messiah, which was John the Baptist. Six months after Elizabeth conceived in her old age, the angel Gabriel also appeared to the Virgin Mary.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:26-31 (KJV)

No matter what your prayer request is, God already knows it. He sees the whole picture and knows the right situation and time to meet your needs. No matter if it’s a health, financial, marital, or spiritual request, God has the right answer for you. Trust that He has your best interest at heart. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.

It may take some waiting. Use this time to talk with God and to read His word. When He does answer, it will always be better than we could have ever hoped for.