The Waiting Game

Have you ever been at a point where you've been waiting on God's deliverance or answer, and it seems like it's taking forever? We have become so accustomed to instant gratification that we forget that patience is a virtue. Isaiah 40:31 says:

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint."

The "waiting game" is never fun! Who ever said we should do nothing while waiting? I'm sure you've heard this before: "An idle mind is the devil's workshop". It is best to therefore renew your mind and fill it with the following things, instead:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 KJV

An old parenting tip: If you take something away, make sure you replace it with something better! Get rid of your worries and replace them with "better" thoughts!

Worrying while waiting never helps. Wouldn't it be easier to simply "pass the buck", lay all of your burdens at Jesus' feet, and allow Him to fully work through you, instead? Easier said than done! Losing control is never a good feeling, and Satan always wants us to foolishly think that we've got everything under control. He wants us to feel depressed whenever we feel that we have lost such control.

On the other hand, Scripture teaches the exact opposite: we ought to let God's Spirit take control. It is only after you surrender your will fully to the Lord that you can experience the joy of demonstrating the "fruits of the Spirit".

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 KJV

If not, the Apostle Paul clearly warns about the "works of the flesh":

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21 KJV

So, whenever I feel discouraged, I remind myself: While waiting, rest in the Lord and "fret not". Otherwise, I'll only get myself into trouble.

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."

I'm so thankful God gave us His Word!