Alexander Pope wrote an essay in 1709 which stated, “For Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.” Waiting is a topic people have struggled with through the centuries. Even those with a personal walk with the Lord are not immune to it.
Almost 130 scriptures in the Bible refer to this subject. Two well known evidences of the value in waiting were the many years before the promised Messiah arrived, and also the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit’s presence to descend. No matter what the people did, they weren’t able to rush God’s timing.
So why do we grow impatient? Perhaps it’s a by product of the fast-paced society we live, in America. We’ve become accustomed to fast food, instant messages, on demand television, and a myriad of other conveniences that no longer require us to wait.
When my husband and I were newly married, we felt God telling us it was time to start our family. For over two years, we tried unsuccessfully to conceive. Each month I watched for tell-tale signs and became disappointed when I didn’t see them appear. We heard from God, so why were we experiencing difficulties? No matter what we did, we were unable to hurry God’s timing. Our son arrived when God deemed.
Sometimes we pray and feel God leading us in a specific direction. We’re eager to get started and plow ahead, not always seeking confirmation at first. Troubles arise and we become frustrated, wondering why God allowed this to happen. We keep pushing our way, trying to force things to go the way we desire; over confident we are in His will. Or maybe we choose to quit, because things are too difficult.
We shove and demand when God may be saying, “Be still. Wait.” Psalm 33:20 encourages, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”
The Bible Knowledge Commentary edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck had this to say about the final three verses of Psalm 33. “God’s people demonstrate their faith in three ways. First, they wait in hope for deliverance from the Lord as their Help and Shield. Second, they rejoice in Him whom they trust. Third, they pray for His unfailing love to rest on them.”[1]
Instead of bucking when a situation arises, what if instead we chose to wait, rejoice, and pray? Maybe God is allowing the bump in the road to help us see where we’ve taken a side trail, or stumbled off the path completely. Our first response in any circumstance should be to seek God and His timing. Don’t become cocky or over confident. Be open to questioning and seeking clarification of God’s will, checking to make sure you haven’t detoured or misunderstood. Pray and seek confirmation from accountability.
Follow the admonition of Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” His timing is perfect.
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