Waiting Is Evidence of Faith

In review of Psalm 40:1 it says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry” (NIV).

Waiting for God to help me is not easy, but in Psalm 40 I can see how David received four benefits from waiting: First, God lifted him out of his despair, Secondly God set his feet on solid ground, Thirdly God steadied him as he walked, and then God put a new song of praise in his mouth. 

I’m learning that often blessings cannot be received unless I go through the trail of waiting.

The most obvious evidence of my faith is how I respond in the waiting rooms of life. How long can I wait? That’s a mark of maturity. Children, have a hard time waiting. They have not learned the difference between “No” and “Not yet.” If they are told “Not yet,” they think that means it’s not going to happen. But as I get older, I learn that’s not the case.

Spiritual maturity is the ability to wait. Faith is waiting for the answer, understanding that sometimes the answer is delayed.

In God’s plan, timing is crucial. Many times it may be the right thing, but it’s just the wrong time. I don’t want to get behind God, and I don’t want to get ahead of God. I want to be just in his time, because God’s timing is perfect for my job, marriage, retirement, or in an answer to prayer, in every area of my life.

I can look at Scripture and see how many times the Israelites had to wait on God. While they waited, God was preparing them. The children of Israel waited to be set free from slavery in Egypt for 400 years. That’s a really long time! Even when Moses came on the scene, the people had to wait another 80 years, 40 of them just for him to grow up in Pharaoh’s palace and another 40 years for him to go to the backside of the desert to be trained. Moses came back at 80 years of age and finally led the people out of Egypt. God’s timing is perfect!

Doing God's will often means waiting patiently. While I wait, I can love God, serve others, and tell others about him. Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” (NIV). How I respond to the waiting rooms of life is evidence of my faith. 

In summary, wait patiently for the Lord, he hears me. While the waiting part is not easy, I can receive benefits from it. God can lift me out of despair, put my feet on solid ground, steady me as I walk, giving me a new perspective of praise for him in my actions. Often blessing cannot be received unless I go through the trail of waiting. The most obvious evidence of my faith is how I respond in the waiting rooms of life. Spiritual maturity is the ability to wait. Faith is waiting for the answer, understanding that sometimes the answer may be delayed. God's timing is crucial and perfect. While I wait, I can love God, serve others, and tell others about him. How I respond to the waiting rooms of life is evidence of my faith.

As I think about this, I’m most patient when I’m connected to God through my quiet times. He gives me perspective. I’m least patient when I’m disconnected from Him, selfish and wanting things my way. I have numerous times in my past where God’s timing has been perfect. I just need to think back at those and remember he will never rip me off and only do the best for me. The more patient I become the better I’m equipped to adapt to changes that come my way. 

This morning I pray Father for help with my patience and the waiting. Your will and timing are always perfect. I also ask you today for wisdom and guidance for my day, my interactions with others, and my leadership. I ask these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.