When To Move . . . When To Wait Part 2
Moving ahead in God’s strength:
The blessings of waiting:
• “For since the world began no one has seen or heard of such a God
as ours, who works for those who wait for him!” (Isaiah 64:4 LB)
• But they that wait upon 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” (Isaiah 40:31 LB).
• “I wait eagerly for the Lord’s help, and in his word I trust.
I wait for the Lord more eagerly than sentries wait for the dawn—than
sentries wait for the dawn” (Psalm 130:5-6 GNT).
The blessings of moving forward:
• “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: (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be
frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 ESV).
• “ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has
called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 NIV).
How do we know when to wait and when to move forward?
When Christ extended His invitation to the 12 disciples, they moved
immediately (see Matthew 8:21-22).
The apostle Paul waited 14 years before his ministry to the Gentiles
(see Galatians and Acts).
There have been times in my life when I’ve prayed, “Lord, I want Your
will. I’m moving forward in this direction. Stop me or turn me around if
this is not Your will.”
And there have been other times I’ve prayed, “I really don’t know
what to do, Jesus. Please tell me. I want to do Your will, but right now
I feel paralyzed. I’m waiting to hear from You.”
The key?
“I want Your will.”
If we’re faithful to seek His will, He’ll let us know when to move
forward and when to wait.
The answer: “The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for
him, to those who seek for him” (Lamentations 3:25 LB).
Did you catch it?
This Scripture highlights those who wait and also those who seek.
The above verse encourages us to act (seeking) as well as to wait.
Both are part of God’s will.
Seeking requires action.
Waiting requires patience.
God gives both.
Ask God to help you want His will move than anything.
“Happy are all who search for God and always do his will. . . .”
(Psalm 119:2 LB).
OK, but how can I learn to want God’s will?
“Blessed Lord, teach me your rules. I have recited your laws and
rejoiced in them more than in riches. I will meditate upon them and
give them my full respect. I will delight in them and not forget them”
(Psalm 119:12-16 LB).
Immerse yourself in God’s Word.
Read it.
Study it.
Think about it.
Live it.
And as you do this, He is faithful to make His will known to you.
Thoughts?
Please pray for me as I speak in Claremore, OK this weekend.
Susie–Those words were what I needed to hear this morning! Thanks! I hope you’re doing well and experiencing joy in your service to the Lord these days. May the Lord continue to bless you!
Such a wonderful group of verses from God’s word to read and meditate on Susie. Thank you for your faithful walk with God and encouraging others through your ministry.Prayers for you as God uses you in Oklahoma.
This is an excellent read . . . and advice to follow.
You have presented the ‘going’ and the ‘waiting’ so well.
May we all receive help from this.
This is so good Susie. God is good and will direct our paths!
Thank you for making it simple.
Thanks, Barb! Sure appreciate you!