In a society that places emphasis on things like speed, automation, accessing information and delivering results, the concept of waiting upon God becomes a lost art. Yet it is a very basic and crucial principle of God.
The more technology we have, the less we will tend to depend on and trust in God. However, “God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). He will allow us to fail miserably, accumulate debt and wallow in despair until we come to the end of self, choose to seek Him and follow His ways—which are different and higher than ours.
RELEVANCE
Growing up in New York CityI learned about the world’s value system of aspiring to pursue knowledge to gain power, advantage and wealth. It’s part of living in a competitive world. God had to teach me the hard way—as He does with all of us—that He requires vulnerability. It’s the only way His “strength is made perfect in weakness” so His power can rest upon us and be exhibited through us—so He be glorified. How hard it is for us to accept that, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
The world will mock you and make it difficult for you to work in God’s rhythm. But in God’s rhythm, with His grace, you will find God’s strength and true advantage! For that reason God waits for us to seek and find His ways.
He, as the potter, waits for us to become malleable and dependent upon Him. He restrains Himself from giving us what we may want so we will seek Him for what we need and learn wisdom and prudence.
In fact, He will strip us of all resources and all things familiar to us until we come to focus on Him, place total trust in Him and desire His ways and means. He will also restrain His counsel and direction until we prove to Him that we will place total trust in Him. He does this by surprising us with resources, answers and solutions beyond our imagination. Why? So we will be humble and not be able to boast in self but only give glory to Him.
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:5).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Keep a journal page of the things you are waiting for from God. Keep them before Him. As you do, God will be faithful to make you aware of ways He is working on your behalf.
REFERENCES
Psalm 27:14; 37:34; 40:1