WAIT! IT’S PART OF THE PLAN!
WAIT! IT’S PART OF THE PLAN!
Whether we like it or not, “waiting” is an important part of our Christian journey. And we get to do it in different ways. Sometimes it is a deliberate and intentional “waiting” like an actual fast we undergo while seeking the face of God concerning an issue. Other times it is unintentional and totally unplanned and it could come to us in the form of a delay; perhaps in getting into the University, getting that scholarship for the Post Graduate programme, getting married, having children, getting a job or an approval to start a project; it could be anything. Through His creation, God teaches us to wait. It is part of a natural cycle. A pregnant woman waits for her baby to come to full term and maturity knowing that a much earlier birth could have damaging consequences. A farmer waits for the rains and then looks forward expectantly to a good harvest.
A place of waiting is a place of strength. Strength to carry on or strength to hold on! “But they who wait for he 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.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV “Waiting” for the Lord guarantees that shame is not our portion. “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.” Isaiah 49:23 ESV We are assured that when we wait for the Lord, He comes to hear what our petition is and to take care of whatever it is that bothers us. “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:7 NLT You can be sure that you have the Lord’s ears when you wait on Him. Therefore wait on the Lord; then speak up. Hold nothing back because He is all ears.
In these times when people are trying all kinds of things (illegally, illegitimately and immorally) to get rich quick, please do all you can to restrain yourself and “Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.” Psalms 37:34 KJV
“Waiting” allows the purpose of God to be fulfilled. Naomi and Ruth, in “waiting” for the “matter” to be settled by Boaz (Ruth 3: 18) did the right thing. Had it been they got impatient and went off on their own to locate the relative who was actually closer to them than Boaz, things might have turned ugly. But they waited and the purpose of God was fulfilled. (Ruth 4)
The one who waits for the Lord will find help and protection from Him. “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.” Psalms 33:20 KJV and without doubt they will also be guided to make right choices and decisions. “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long.” Psalms 25 : 5 AMP
As great and mighty as our God is, one thing that will guarantee Him working in our favour is when we wait for Him. “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” Isaiah 64:4 NLT
When we get to traffic lights that display the stop sign, we definitely wait. To disregard the stop (or wait) sign is actually to launch oneself into danger or disaster. And so it is when we have to wait by design or by accident, it prevents us from jumping into danger. Waiting never hurt anyone and in fact always does a whole lot of good. (Ladies, even our waist lines will benefit from waiting!)
“Waiting” will reveal the glory of God. When Lazarus died, we are told that Jesus waited a few days before going to the sisters Mary and Martha who had sent for Him in a hope that he would come and heal their brother. “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11: 4 KJV And we all know what happened thereafter. God was indeed glorified as Lazarus was later raised back to life.
I encourage us today to not shun any waiting period in which we find ourselves. At such times let us ask for grace to remain focused to see the glory of God revealed. Whatever you have to wait for right now, know that while you wait you will be exalted, God will hear you and help you, you will not be put to shame, you will be protected and become stronger, God’s purpose will become clear and He will be glorified.
DO NOT FIGHT THE WAIT; IT’S ALL PART OF THE PLAN!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©