Waiting On The Lord

How do we WAIT on the Lord? How do we stay strong, steadfast, and keep the faith when our prayers seemingly go unanswered?

In the beginning we pray with strong faith, believing it is God’s will. We expect to see an answer and faithfully watch for His hand to work. When things begin to happen, we grab-on to the possibility that it is at this time and in this way Almighty God is answering with a resounding YES! Excitement builds as we anticipate life finally going our way. But a gnawing inside says, “Be careful, maybe you’re reading too much into the situation.”  Immediately you stuff that thought and chalk it up to a lack of faith. After all, “nothing is impossible with God,” and “He is able” to answer this prayer. It’s not a selfish prayer or something contrary to God’s word. No, it’s a good prayer, a need, and God’s word says He supplies our needs, so why the concern?

Soon, the opportunity begins to fizzle. The reality of God answering, “No or not now” sinks in and we feel as though we’ve just crested the high hill of a roller coaster and we’re plummeting out of control to the bottom.

It’s in these moments we struggle most.

The temptation is to charge God with wrong. But in all his trials, Job didn’t, so should we respond with less character than Job? Certainly not!

With a fresh shot of resolve, we breathe deeply and begin that slow climb up the next hill.

No matter how much fun the roller coaster is at the amusement park, it’s no fun as a way of life. So, how do we wait, stay strong, steadfast, keep the faith, and get off this roller coaster?

Understanding God Is sovereign, all-powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present, helps.

Because He is God and we are not, His thoughts and ways are far above ours, as the heavens are above the earth. Neither the army of heaven nor the people of earth can stay God’s hand. (Isaiah 55:8-11; Daniel 4:35)

However, we must not confuse God’s justice and power with being unconcerned or harsh. Almighty God is neither. He is a loving and kind Father (John 3:16), He has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-13) and works all things out for our good (Rom.8:28). We on the other hand must be His obedient children, accept His sovereignty, His perfect timing, and quit throwing temper tantrums (speaking more to myself).

Jesus said in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” We often mistake abundant life to mean fortune and fame. But, abundant life isn’t any of these, it is as Paul described in Philippians 4:11-13, “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Hebrews 13:5 tells us why we should “…be content with such things as you have. For [Christ] has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

If we truly believe Christ never leaves or forsakes us, then why is it so hard to wait?

Because, this type of abundant life or contentment only comes from letting go and surrendering all to God’s control, believing, trusting His timing and plan, and above all, thanking Him for what He has already supplied. By this, we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [that are the will of God] shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33).

I’ve decided it’s time to get off the roller coaster and truly WAIT on the Lord. How about you?