Topical Encyclopedia Waiting upon God is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the spiritual discipline and faithfulness required of believers. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are ultimately for the good of those who love Him. The patience of the saints is often tested in various circumstances, as they are called to trust in God's promises and His divine timing.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently exhorts believers to wait upon the Lord, emphasizing the strength and renewal that come from such patience. Isaiah 40:31 declares, "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 encapsulates the promise of divine empowerment and endurance for those who faithfully wait on God. Examples of Waiting in Scripture 1. Abraham and Sarah: The account of Abraham and Sarah is a profound example of waiting upon God. Despite God's promise of a son, they waited many years before Isaac was born. Their journey illustrates both the challenges and the rewards of waiting on God's promises (Genesis 15-21). 2. Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned, Joseph's life is a testament to patience and trust in God's plan. Despite years of hardship, Joseph remained faithful, and God eventually elevated him to a position of great authority in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). 3. David: Anointed as king in his youth, David spent many years fleeing from King Saul before he ascended to the throne. His psalms often reflect his reliance on God during these times of waiting. Psalm 27:14 encourages, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" 4. The Early Church: The apostles and early Christians often faced persecution and trials, yet they waited upon the Lord for deliverance and guidance. Acts 1:4 records Jesus instructing His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit: "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.'" Theological Implications Waiting upon God is not passive but an active engagement in faith and obedience. It involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast hope in God's faithfulness. Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a mark of spiritual maturity. Challenges and Rewards The patience of the saints is often tried in times of uncertainty, suffering, and delay. Yet, these trials are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. James 1:3-4 teaches, "Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The rewards of waiting upon God are manifold. Believers experience spiritual renewal, increased faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Lamentations 3:25 assures, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." In summary, waiting upon God is a vital aspect of the Christian life, requiring patience, faith, and trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign will. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to embrace this discipline, knowing that God is faithful to those who wait upon Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 69:3I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: my eyes fail while I wait for my God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Art Thou He?" False Comforts for Sinners. A visit to the Harvest Field My God Will Hear Me Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. Brought up from the Horrible Pit Limiting God Travailing for Souls Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
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