Question 1

How can waiting make us stronger?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 7:22“The Lord your God will drive those nations out ahead of you little by little. You will not clear them away all at once, otherwise the wild animals would multiply too quickly for you.”There are times when delay may the best strategy in the long run. As Israel prepared for the conquest of the Promised Land, God revealed that it would happen more gradually because of the need to preserve the biological ecology of the land. God often leads us to follow the path of a slow, progressive victory instead of an immediate victory for our own protection.Luke 2:25-35At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”John 16:12“Oh, there is so much more I [Jesus] want to tell you [disciples], but you can’t bear it now.”Galatians 4:4When the right time came, God sent his Son.Ephesians 2:8-10God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.A second reason for waiting is the work of preparation. This includes God’s preparation of us, of others, and of events and circumstances that we face. Many projects are like children, who are conceived and take time to grow before they are born. As believers, we can be certain that God has our preparation in mind as well as an active life as part of his plans for us.2 Samuel 5:4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all.Philippians 4:10-14How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.Hebrews 5:7-9While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.Humility is another quality that helps us as we wait. Waiting often exposes our pride and impatience. Waiting forces us to let go and to realize that ultimately we are not in control. This may have been a significant reason behind the delay between David’s anointing to be king and when he actually became king of Israel. David humbled himself and refused to do anything against Saul, the Lord’s current chosen leader. He trusted God’s timing. Paul had to learn contentment and Jesus had to learn obedience, traits accomplished while waiting for God’s Spirit to work in them.

Question 2

How do I respond in a time of waiting?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.Psalm 40:1I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.Micah 7:7As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.Wait with patience and confidence. Rely on the Lord’s reliability and on the evidence of God’s faithfulness in the past.Psalm 37:7Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.Let go of competition, comparison, and pride during times of waiting. God will deal with evil in his own time.Isaiah 40:31Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Use the times of waiting for spiritual refreshment and for exploring opportunities to trust God more deeply in your current situation.