Inspired by the Africa Study Bible

Seasons of waiting are hard. They are often filled with fear, uncertainty, or confusion, all things that we as humans struggle with. However, waiting is inevitable. We can either waste the time that we have while waiting, or we can take what we have been given and make the best of it. We get to decide what type of mindset that we will hold during seasons of waiting.

There is purpose in the waiting. God works when we are waiting. There is no such time when God is not moving and doing good, even if we are unaware. There is always a reason for waiting. When it comes to waiting, we must rely on God’s eternal perspective. Although it may be difficult to understand why we are made to wait, we can rest in the promises of God and know that He has something in store for us that will make sense at a later date.

We live in a technologically advanced world that expects instant results in all things. God doesn’t always work that way. We cannot expect Him to answer every prayer overnight. Just because He does not answer immediately does not mean that He ignores or does not hear us.

There are several instances in the Bible where one of God’s children waited and the situation worked out in their favour. Joseph had to wait for his family to change their attitude and apologize for their behvavior toward both him and God. Noah had to wait 40 days and 40 nights for the flood to end and new life to begin. Israel had to wait to be rescued and enter the Promised Land. The Bible is not ignorant to our circumstances and neither is Jesus. The list of biblical characters that waited goes on and on, each of their situations unique.

An Application Note from the Africa Study Bible teaches that waiting requires a great amount of patience. Humility, respect, and appreciation are to be given to God when praying over certain requests or situations. The Africa Study Bible emphasizes that we must abandon our selfish mindset and need for instantaneous results in order to make room for God to work. In fact, another Application Note, says that we must plan in advance to wait. We can prepare our hearts and minds to wait.

We know that God works everything out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Times of waiting expose our willingness to believe that truth. Rest and know that your time of waiting will be worth it. God is with you in and through seasons of waiting. Pray and ask him to guide you. Ask him to give you peace about the situation. Ask him to help you let go of control whole-heartedly with joy. Thank him and give him praise during your time(s) of waiting. Journal your experience so that you can go back and visibly see God’s faithfulness at a later date. Read Scripture to remind yourself of the promises that God has made to us. Talk to trusted Christian mentors about their times of waiting.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”

Psalm 27:14

This excerpt is inspired by Applications Notes from the Africa Study Bible titled, “Do not Protest, Be Patient” and “Plan to Wait”. Africa Study Bible Application Notes are used to inspire readers to apply what the Bible teaches to our lives and current situations

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