Topical Bible: Waiting: God Calls Us To

◄ Waiting: God Calls Us To ►

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In the Christian life, waiting is a recurring theme that reflects a deep trust in God's timing and sovereignty. The Bible frequently addresses the concept of waiting, urging believers to exercise patience and faith as they anticipate God's promises and guidance.

Biblical Foundation

The call to wait on the Lord is rooted in Scripture, where waiting is often associated with hope and trust. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." This verse highlights the strength and courage required to wait, emphasizing that waiting is not passive but an active expression of faith.

Isaiah 40:31 further illustrates the rewards of waiting: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, waiting is linked to spiritual renewal and empowerment, promising divine strength to those who trust in God's timing.

Examples of Waiting in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify the virtue of waiting. Abraham and Sarah waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son, demonstrating faith despite their advanced age (Genesis 21:1-2). Joseph endured years of waiting in slavery and imprisonment before God's plan for his life unfolded, ultimately leading to his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43).

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is another significant example. Their 40-year wait to enter the Promised Land was a period of testing and reliance on God's provision and guidance (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). This narrative underscores the importance of obedience and trust during times of waiting.

Theological Significance

Waiting on God is a profound act of worship and submission. It acknowledges God's omniscience and perfect timing, recognizing that His plans are higher than human understanding. In a world that often values immediacy, waiting cultivates spiritual maturity and dependence on God.

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus instructing His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit after His ascension. Acts 1:4 records, "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss.'" This waiting period prepared the disciples for the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit, essential for their mission.

Practical Implications

For believers today, waiting on God involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a posture of readiness to act when God directs. It requires surrendering personal timelines and desires, trusting that God's plans are for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Waiting can be a time of growth, reflection, and preparation for future service.

In times of uncertainty or delay, Christians are encouraged to remember God's faithfulness and past provisions. Lamentations 3:25 reassures, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." This promise affirms that waiting is not in vain but is met with God's goodness and presence.

Conclusion

While waiting can be challenging, it is a vital aspect of the Christian journey, fostering a deeper relationship with God and aligning believers with His divine purposes. Through waiting, Christians learn to trust in God's perfect timing and experience His faithfulness in profound ways.

Nave's Topical Index

Zephaniah 3:8
Therefore wait you on me, said the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... GENESIS WAITING FAITH REWARDED AND STRENGTHENED BY NEW REVELATIONS. ... takes some courage
for any of us to call ... God calls 'things that are not, as though they were ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

A Covenant God
... the being drawn to God Himself in personal surrender, and dependence, and waiting
to have ... Let us listen to the words in which God's Word calls us to know ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter i a covenant god.htm

The Waiting Christ.
... And the Lord direct your hearts in the love of God, and into the patient waiting
for Christ ... where is He more rejected than in that which calls itself by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the waiting christ.htm

Silence to God
... He calls forth all his powers to the conflict, which is ... The silence of the soul before
God is no mere ... our being to keep all our being still and waiting upon Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/silence to god.htm

What Doest Thou Here?
... of God summoning him back to the duties that were waiting for him ... about it, when
we become deaf to the higher calls, we are, in fact, crying to God to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/vi what doest thou here.htm

Eldad and Medad
... God calls us to Himself before He calls us to His service ... is wanting impulse, and
we ought to be waiting for it ... only come from heaven, the breath of God must be ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... United, continued waiting on God is to Paul the only ... prayer; withal also praying
for us, that God would open ... As the Master, so the servant calls us to believe ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

To Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of St. Dominic
... They receive, not the payment, but the pledge"not waiting to receive it ... order that
ignorance may not hinder our perfection, to which God calls us; that the ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to daniella of orvieto clothed.htm

Again, Christ, after his Glorification in Heaven, Says, "Behold I ...
... that comes not wholly from the Spirit of God. ... the Holy Spirit within us, the apostle
calls us in these ... They therefore who call us from waiting for, depending ...
/.../address 44 0 0 again christ after.htm

A Petulant Wish
... prayer, but I believe also that a great deal of what calls itself importunate ... in
order to make sure that what seems to be waiting upon God in importunate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a petulant wish.htm