In a world of ever growing instant gratification, the thought of waiting for something is despised. It seems that not many things are worth waiting for; as a matter of fact something that has to be waited for is not worth it. In such a culture where virtues like patience and perseverance are not instilled in us, waiting seems unnatural and tedious. Sayings like “Good things come to those who wait” now sound like outdated advice for someone to give these days. Yet, to wait is exactly what the Bible would say to a believer (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 12:12, James 1:3). Why is waiting such an important part of our lives? Why is it God’s plan for us?

Waiting helps us yield to God’s will.

When we wait, God breaks our own reservations on a matter. We all have dreams, ambitions, and goals in life, which are usually good things to have or aspire to have. But when your will begins to compete with God’s sovereign will, one has to give way and re-establish priorities. Look at what Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus yielded to the will of His Father, physically broken but spiritually empowered. 

Waiting tests our faith.

The story of Joseph captures how rewarding it is to wait and receive the fulfillment of God’s promises. Faith and patience are like two sides of a coin, you cannot walk in faith without being patient. Joseph waited nearly 22 years for the dream God gave him to be fulfilled, 13 of which were in prison. For someone God said would be in the position of a ruler, prison is the last place he would expect to find himself. But Joseph held on, in faith and patience, to God’s promise. He waited, was tested (Psalm 105:19) and found triumphant.

Waiting endues us with strength.

Jesus asked the disciples to wait to receive His power (Luke 24:49). And the disciples waited, till the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to them to be His witnesses. Biblical waiting is a time of growing intimacy, walking in the Spirit, desiring and knowing God’s will. All these combined edify and build us up to be vessels of God’s overflowing anointing and power. Jesus was led into the wilderness, into a time of waiting before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), Paul was in Arabia for 3 years before beginning His ministry (Galatians 1:16-18). God-given ministries are always conceived in much prayer and waiting, for it is during such seasons that the strength and grace for the journey ahead is imparted.

God yearns to do great and mighty things through our lives, but first, let us allow Him to work in us: refining, pruning, purging and revealing. As a result, on the day that we stand before Him, we will be confident we have run the good race and fought the good fight, not in our will but according to His.

Prayer: 

Lord, I do not have all the answers and understanding as to the reasons for this season of waiting. Yet, in the midst of it all, I choose to trust in Your perfect will for my life and future. I surrender myself to You in all humility, and believe in Your sufficient strength through these times. In Jesus’ name, amen.