Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Wait Upon God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of waiting upon God is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing patience, trust, and faithfulness in the believer's relationship with the Divine. Those who wait upon God are often depicted as recipients of answered prayers, as their patience and trust align with God's timing and will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently encourages believers to wait upon the Lord, promising strength and renewal to those who do so. Isaiah 40:31 states, "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." This verse highlights the spiritual and physical renewal that comes from waiting on God, suggesting that such patience is rewarded with divine strength and perseverance.

Examples of Waiting Upon God

1. Abraham and Sarah: In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. Despite their advanced age, their patience was rewarded with the birth of Isaac, demonstrating that waiting upon God can lead to the fulfillment of His promises (Genesis 21:1-3).

2. Hannah: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's persistent prayer and waiting upon the Lord resulted in the birth of Samuel. Her account illustrates that fervent prayer combined with patient waiting can lead to miraculous answers from God.

3. David: King David often wrote about waiting on the Lord in the Psalms. In Psalm 27:14 , he advises, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" David's life, marked by periods of waiting for God's timing, exemplifies the blessings that come from trusting in God's plan.

Theological Implications

Waiting upon God is not a passive activity but an active expression of faith. It involves trusting in God's sovereignty and timing, even when immediate answers are not apparent. This waiting is often accompanied by prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast hope in God's promises.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Strength and Renewal: As Isaiah 40:31 suggests, those who wait upon God receive renewed strength. This spiritual fortitude enables believers to endure trials and challenges with resilience.

2. Increased Faith: Waiting on God can deepen one's faith, as it requires reliance on His wisdom and timing rather than one's own understanding.

3. Alignment with God's Will: Through waiting, believers often find their desires and prayers aligning more closely with God's will, leading to more profound and meaningful answers to prayer.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of waiting upon God through regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This practice not only prepares the heart to receive God's answers but also fosters a deeper relationship with Him.

In summary, the Bible presents waiting upon God as a vital aspect of the believer's spiritual journey. Those who wait are assured of God's strength, guidance, and ultimately, the fulfillment of His promises in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Answers to Prayer
... himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... He had just received
five dollars for a piece ... these words actually before the prayer was made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

"Because of his Importunity. "
Answers to Prayer. ... describe the joy I had in God when I received this donation. ... this
contemplated enlargement being brought before God in prayer, and generally ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/because of his importunity.htm

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... the mysteries and difficulties connected with answers to prayer ... assurance of the
answer bestowed and received, and to ... If we apply this to the prayer for the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... to him when they have wants, but who neglect him when they have received a mercy ...
There is not a church in London, that has had such answers to prayer as we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

George Muller, and the Secret of His
... is not yet given concerning the conversion of certain individuals, though in the
meantime I have received many thousands of answers to prayer. ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/george muller and the secret.htm

A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It
... In the name of Jesus I have asked and received; save only ... Prayer has done this for
you ... God answers the supplications of his believing people; and of this we are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a poor mans cry and.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... When you received the assurance of salvation, was it not in answer to prayer? ... If
some people looked out for answers to prayer they might soon have them, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... Be pleased to do so.' About half an hour afterwards I received L230 15s. "The
joy which such answers to prayer afford, cannot be described. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... so great as those which we have already received if we ... Our praises are not suspended
upon his answers to our ... necessity, draw nigh to God in prayer, but always ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... of a child who has just received a kindness ... truly converted man knows from this
experience that God answers prayer. ... Does the prayer, "Give us this day our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm