What characteristics do you need to possess while learning how to wait?
The most obvious answer would be: patience.
While reading my Bible today, God revealed 2 additional characteristics that are needed while waiting:
1) Strength
2) Courage
Personally, I don't think I'd be able to wait patiently without these two. I'd give up pretty quickly, no doubt about that. It won't be long before I start to worry and frantically take matters into my own hands.
So, WHERE and HOW do you draw strength and courage during the most difficult times while you wait for deliverance?
These are the verses God shared with me today:
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24
"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." Isaiah 40:31
These verses clearly show that the LORD is our Source for strength and courage. Now that we know WHERE to draw it from, the question is, "HOW?"
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." James 4:8a
I'm not a very patient person. But, as I draw near to God and allow Him to fill me with His Spirit, He gives me the strength and courage needed to face adversity while waiting patiently for His answer or deliverance.
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." Proverbs 24:10
Are you faced with problems that keep coming back and you wonder if there's ever going to be a light at the end of the tunnel? Have you been praying to God to grant your request and it seems like He is never going to answer? Are you sometimes tempted to just take matters into your own hands, regardless of the consequences, just to put an end to all of your pain and suffering? Or, are you waiting and trusting in the LORD? Don't you think He knows exactly what you're going through?
"I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy: for Thou hast considered my trouble; Thou hast known my soul in adversities;" Psalm 31:7
God knows, and He cares. He will give us the strength and courage we need to carry on.
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
Don't lose hope! Develop a personal relationship with the LORD, accept Him as your Savior today, and let Him be your guide.
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