Waiting for God to Act

I read the above verse of Scripture many years ago, on the morning our house sale fell through, four days before we were to move from the north to the south of England. We went ahead with the move, left the house empty and, true to His word, the Lord acted on our behalf, as He has done on every other move, over many years.

There is, of course, a condition for us to fulfil in order for God to act on our behalf – that we wait for Him. God speaks, and we wait, but sometimes we grow impatient and take matters into our own hands, using ways of worldly wisdom. We usually don’t like waiting, because we don’t like feeling useless and helpless.

However, the Bible speaks quite a lot about waiting. Waiting time is often a test of our faith, and God uses it as preparation time for where He’s leading us. It can seem as though God has left a space in our lives and, foolishly, we can try to fill that space with things and ways that are not of God, rather than be still, wait, and trust Him.

Impatience can be a form of pride, and it sometimes usurps God’s timing. King Saul was anointed by God as king, and called to defeat the Philistines. He had clear instructions to wait for Samuel to arrive to offer a burnt offering, before he led the army into battle. Samuel hadn’t arrived by the expected time, so Saul decided to take the matter into his own hands and offer the sacrifice, which he was forbidden to do (1 Samuel 13). In consequence, Saul lost his anointing, and, eventually, his crown.

On the other hand, waiting for God to act in His way and in His time is a sign of humble dependence on Him and recognition of His power and faithfulness. Quiet confidence in Him frees us from worry and anxiety. We can wait for God to act either passively (doubting His faithfulness), or expectantly, putting our hope in His word and being kept strong in the face of seeming uncertainty.

But we’re assured that those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23) and through the waiting they will be blessed (Isaiah 30:18). One thing is certain – God knows what He’s doing. He’s never before His time, and never behind. Those whom God has used greatly for His purposes seem to have had times of waiting. Moses was in the desert for forty years. Joseph was in prison for ten years. Abraham was childless until he was a hundred years old. David was a fugitive for fifteen years, before he became king. Their times of waiting proved to be times of preparation.

Maybe you feel God has a calling on your life, yet to be fulfilled. Wait expectantly, making the waiting time a positive time, and an opportunity to grow in faith and intimacy with Him. In consequence, you will recognise the perfect love and wisdom of your Heavenly Father as you’re being prepared for what lies ahead.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that my times are in Your hand. Thank You for Your calling on my life, which I’m committed to fulfil. Thank You for Jesus, who has saved me and made me Your own. As I trust You for whatever lies ahead, please fill me Your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in wisdom and understanding to know You better. Amen.