Waiting for God

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Saviour that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
Titus 1:1-3, NLT*

God made a promise in the beginning, and waited for the time to be right to fulfill it. We’ve just celebrated the birth of the Saviour, and in a few months we’ll celebrate His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. Someday we’ll celebrate His return.

God’s timing is perfect, although we can’t usually see that until after the fact. He has demonstrated it with His biggest promise, and so we can trust Him with His smaller ones.

Is there something you’re waiting for? Something He’s promised, be it a specific event or a word from Scripture like the assurance that He works all things to good for those who love Him? (Romans 8:28)

Father God, we thank You for your faithfulness, Your integrity. What You promise will be fulfilled. Please forgive and sustain us when we falter in the waiting. Help us keep our eyes on You and our confidence in You. Help us wait in patient trust, and help us worship You in the waiting.

John Waller’s song, “While I’m Waiting,” sums it up well. Let it be our prayer this week.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

7 thoughts on “Waiting for God

  1. Ginny Jaques

    I am amazed, yet again, Joanna, at how totally we share a wavelength. I came to my computer straight from my knees where the last thing I said to God was, “I’m so impatient about the progress toward publication. I want it to happen soon.”

    I did ask forgiveness for the impatience and committed again to restful availability, because, as you say, His timing is precise. I don’t want to be the least out of step with Him. But your message was such strong confirmation to me. Thank you, dear heart-mate.

    Reply
    1. joannamallory

      “Restful availability.” I like that, Ginny. We need to be ready, rested, and ready to go when the train pulls into our station. I’m sure God will bring you and your fiction to publication at the best time for it to happen. When I look at the state of publishing now in this economy and with e-readers etc, I think maybe it’s good that I don’t have a book coming out anytime soon. But still the wait is long. My prayer for both of us is for patience in the waiting, faithfulness in developing our skills, and an assurance of being held in His hand.

      Reply
  2. Margaret

    Joanna,

    We have such a way of being impatient with our Lord….. In our anxiety, it doesn’t seem to matter that we know He is so much wiser, and loving, and powerful than we can ever imagine….. We cast all our knowledge aside and fret anyway.

    I know that in the past a seemingly “unanswered” prayer was really answered in a much better way, but, still I tend to pray as if I know the best way….. I never have known the best way, but am glad God does….. It’s so good that He remains faithful and loving, in spite of our fretting.

    Margaret

    Reply
    1. joannamallory

      Margaret, I share that testimony too, about God’s way being proved best. But yes, it’s too common to fret. It almost seems as if He waits until I’ve done my fretting and finally surrendered before He acts. Makes me think if I learned to stay surrendered, it might speed up the process.

      Reply
  3. Margaret

    Joanna,

    I think God has a sense of humor as He waits for us to get done with our fretting :)….. Like a patient parent with their child, God unobtrusively waits for us to learn….. Such love and patience cannot be described.

    Margaret

    Reply
    1. joannamallory

      Yes, Christian. That sums it up well. Everyone tells us to set our own goals, but we really need to be asking God what He wants us to to… and to do next. I often want Him to show me the long-term goals, where He wants to show me the next step. Blessings to you, and thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

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