Active Faith: Seeking God’s Timing and Guidance Through Waiting on the Lord

Almost everyone faces challenges at some point in their lives. These times of testing and pain can push us to our limits, sometimes even causing us to break under the pressure. But in these moments, God provides us the strength we need when our strength is gone.

But the solutions to our problems are rarely quick fixes. God rarely provides instant healing or financial windfalls. His solutions often test our resilience and perseverance, and the eventual outcome is often different than is originally sought or desired.

But God is sovereign and knows what we need better than we know it ourselves.

We are also short-sighted. God knows how our circumstances affect, not only us, but others as He works in the world’s affairs.

Most of the time, our help comes through God-ordained natural means, other people He sends our way, or through the Holy Spirit, as He comforts us along the way.

God can perform grand miracles, but He often chooses to act for us in greater subtlety.

In all of our trials, the Bible instructs us to wait on the Lord. And while we wait, entrusting ourselves to His sovereign mercy and grace, He will renew our strength daily.

Sometimes, God’s answers to our plight come quickly, but most times, not. It is important to remember that God’s timing, although perfect according to His will, is not the same as ours. The outcome that we seek is often long in coming.

God promised Abraham that He would father many nations. At the time, his wife, Sarah, was barren, but God promised him a son through her. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac, the promised son’s birth.

Unlike Abraham, who received a direct promise from God about his future, the promises available to us are broader and not as specific, aside from those promising eternal life at the end of days.

But in our lives, presently, few promises give us a sure direction.

When facing financial or health concerns, for instance, we can draw strength from passages like Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

These promises bolster our faith and encourage trust but do not necessarily give immediate direction on which to act.

As a result, knowing what to do in any situation takes work.

How do we know we are on the right track as we wait for the Lord’s deliverance?

To answer that question, we must better understand what it means to wait on the Lord.

Understanding “Waiting on the Lord”

1. Relationship: Waiting on the Lord presupposes having a personal relationship with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Without that relationship, we are outside of God’s saving grace. If you don’t already know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, take time today to repent, turn from your life of sin, and choose life in Christ Jesus.
2. Trust and Confidence: Waiting on the Lord involves having patient and confident trust in God, dispelling fear and despair. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” David’s reliance on God’s strength amidst adversities exemplifies this trust​.
3. Expectant Hope: The Hebrew word for “wait” (Qavah) implies looking for, hoping, and expecting. This expectant waiting believes that God will act in His perfect timing. Isaiah 40:31 emphasizes this: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”​
4. God’s Timing and Sovereignty: God’s concept of time differs from ours. His timing is always perfect. 2 Peter 3:8-9 highlights that with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. This understanding of God’s sovereignty underscores the importance of trusting in His perfect timing​.

What Should We Be Waiting For?

1. Salvation and Deliverance: We await God’s deliverance from sin and hardships, including ultimate salvation and deliverance from current struggles. Isaiah 64:4 notes that no one has seen any God besides the Lord, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him​.
2. Renewal and Strength: God renews our strength as we wait, enabling us to overcome challenges. This period becomes a time of spiritual renewal and growth, as described in Isaiah 40:31​.
3. Answers to Prayers: We wait for God’s responses to our prayers, trusting that He will provide, guide, and act according to His will and timing. This active waiting involves seeking God’s will through prayer and scripture​.

Actions to Take While Waiting

1. Trusting and Seeking God: Actively trust in God’s character and promises. Psalm 27:4 encourages seeking the Lord and dwelling in His presence for safety and security​.
2. Praying and Meditating: Engage in prayer, seeking wisdom, direction, and protection, and meditate on God’s word. Colossians 3:2 advises setting our minds on things above, not earthly things​.
3. Taking Action with Faith: Waiting on the Lord does not mean inactivity. It involves taking steps of faith, like applying for jobs or seeking help, while ultimately trusting that God is in control and will provide. This dynamic waiting is apparent in examples where people act in faith, expecting God to bring the ultimate resolution​.
   
   We can’t be afraid to act, fearing failure or mistakes. Many times, God’s answers come by natural means that we best not ignore. Remember, God is in control of all things. His sovereignty and grace extend to our success and failures alike. Altogether, God works all things for the good of those who love Him and hope in Him. (Romans 8:28)

Conclusion

“Waiting on the Lord” is a multifaceted process involving trust, hope, prayer, and active faith. It is about expecting God to work in His timing while seeking Him through prayer and scripture and taking faithful actions. This waiting strengthens our faith and transforms our character, preparing us for God’s ultimate plans and blessings.

When we can act on our behalf, we should, while praying diligently for God’s direction and knowing that God is the source of our salvation.

But sometimes, we are utterly helpless to act on our behalf. At those times, all that we can do is pray and place our trust and hope entirely in the hands of our loving heavenly Father.

And wait on Him

Explore resources like GotQuestions.org, Bible Study Tools, and Desiring God for more detailed insights and biblical examples.