The Hard, Valuable Art of Waiting

A good spiritual waiter knows that God has the power to do anything. He can do “exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Because we believe in His power, we know we are in capable hands as we wait on Him.

Most of us hate it. There are very few people who enjoy waiting. The closest I’ve found to good “waiters” are some farmers I’ve known who understand the laws of the harvest. They work incredibly hard but realize they can’t rush the ingathering. It will come in due time.

Our instant world doesn’t help. Everything has sped up. Instant news coverage, instant fast food, instant answers on the internet. We don’t even have to get dressed and go to the store. We can order immediately in our pajamas with the click of a button. We are in love with instant, and it makes waiting harder.

Maturity Breeds Patience

I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

Over time, godly men and women have come to see that the Lord is never in a hurry but always on time. There are things that God accomplishes through time that cannot be done any faster. God molds us during seasons of waiting. He brings us to dependence. His promises become real and His presence precious. And God is preparing outcomes that are stunning … if we will wait.

Not Passive but Patient

Spiritual waiting is not a mindless, passive exercise. If you see it that way, you will become restless, worried, and bothered.

A seasoned believer knows that they are waiting not merely for something but for Someone. “I waited patiently for the Lord,” the Psalmist said. He had turned his trust heavenward and was content to leave the timing in God’s sovereign hands. Waiting in an exercise in dependency upon God Himself.

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust. (Psalm 40:4)

An excellent spiritual waiter is like a veteran waiter in a fine restaurant. He stands at attention, actively looking toward those he serves.

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