Waiting Well

Everyone knows there are different ways of learning things. For example, we might be able to learn mathematics quite well from a book. Other things we can learn more easily through observation. Or we might watch someone cook a meal, and in this way learn how to prepare a new dish. But there are some things which can only really be learnt by doing them. We have to go through the experience ourselves. A good example of this is learning a new sport. No one has ever become a tennis champion by reading books or watching Wimbledon on TV!

God is the best teacher in the world, and one of the things He needs to teach us is how to wait. Waiting is an important skill. While we wait, we grow in faith and in dependence on Him. Our character gets moulded and our relationship with God deepens. Waiting is an important part of walking with God.

It’s a pity that wating can’t be learnt from a book. Really, the only thing is for us to go through the experience and learn the hard way. Waiting is hard. It challenges us deeply. It stretches our faith. It tests our obedience. While we are waiting, we don’t know how long it will be before we receive what we want. It might be days, months or years.

God taught Abraham how to patiently wait for the promises given to him. For centuries, Abraham’s descendants were promised their Messiah and had to wait in eager expectation for that day to come. We too, as Abrahams’ children (Galatians 3:29) and as part of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19) will need the same lessons as our spiritual forebears.

It might be that at this very moment you are going through a season of waiting. Nothing seems to be happening and God’s promises to you don’t feel any nearer than before. You might be tempted to give up, to doubt, or to ‘help God out a little’ with the fulfilment of His promises. Be encouraged that nothing strange is happening to you. It might just be that your heavenly Father is teaching you how to wait. So, hang in there!

God’s promises are secure. His word simply cannot fail. Our waiting will be rewarded - in His time, not ours. And as we learn to wait better, ultimately this prepares us for waiting for the Lord’s return. It might feel to us like a long time coming, and, as days get darker, the waiting in expectation for His return will probably become harder yet. But let us encourage each other to continue to hold on to His promises. As it says, “He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Prayer: Father in heaven, please help me as You teach me how to wait. I don’t find it easy, but I want to learn how to wait well and how to wait in faith. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.