Faith Works With Patience
On Tuesday, I woke up with anticipation as I had set my alarm to wake up at the same time every morning. Surprisingly, I woke up even before the alarm went off, filled with excitement to spend time with the Lord and eager to hear His message.
May 8, 2023
On Tuesday, I woke up with anticipation as I had set my alarm to wake up at the same time every morning. Surprisingly, I woke up even before the alarm went off, filled with excitement to spend time with the Lord and eager to hear His message. Before I even opened my eyes, I sensed the Lord impressing upon me the words from Isaiah 54, saying, “Sing, O barren woman.” It was clear to me that this was the chapter I needed to read. With great enthusiasm, I delved into reading that chapter, and as I immersed myself in its words, a song of praise sprang forth from my heart, “I sing praises to Your name, O Lord.” I devoted a significant amount of time to worshiping God. The following day, I woke up with the same level of excitement, eagerly anticipating another message from the Lord, but unfortunately, I did not receive any specific instructions.
As I waited, hoping for guidance, I received neither an instruction nor a song, nor a specific chapter to read. Feeling uncertain, I resorted to my usual routine of picking up my Bible and reading the designated portion, yet still, no clear instruction emerged. I continued to pray, seeking direction, but once again, I found myself without a discernible message. I must admit, I felt disappointed. There’s an incredible sense of awe when you receive direct guidance from the Lord. It reassures you that you can truly hear His voice, providing accurate and timely wisdom for the season and challenges you face. However, if I’m honest, I experienced an entire week without hearing anything from the Lord. It left me disheartened and longing for His guidance.
The message I have for you is about the importance of waiting on God. It reminds me of Luke 8, where Jesus shares the parable of the Sower, discussing the four types of soil. Specifically, He highlights the characteristics of the good soil that produces fruit.
Luke 8:15 – As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Notice the emphasis on hearing the word. It’s not a one-time occurrence, but an ongoing process. Those with good soil keep hearing the word continuously, not just during a Sunday sermon. They hold onto it in an honest and good heart, and with patience, they bear fruit. Patience is essential for bearing fruit.
Patience is an essential prerequisite for bearing fruit. When we explore the Bible, we encounter numerous instances of individuals receiving prophetic words from the Lord, followed by a prolonged period of patient waiting. Consider the case of Abraham, who had to endure 25 years before witnessing the fulfillment of God’s promise. Likewise, Moses’ journey demanded approximately 80 years of patience. It’s truly unimaginable to put ourselves in their shoes, yet they persevered. If a divine word has been spoken over your life, rest assured that it will accomplish its purpose. However, it is through patience that we see the fruition of that word. But what exactly is patience? It is the act of waiting upon the Lord with a gracious and positive attitude.
In the waiting period, it may feel like there is little else you can do. However, it is crucial to maintain a patient and positive attitude during this time. Failing to wait patiently with a good attitude can potentially hinder the fulfillment of the promise. Patience is indeed a key requirement for bearing fruit. Consider the word of the Lord as a seed that enters your life. This seed has the inherent potential to bear fruit, to grow into a plant, and eventually become a thriving tree. But it necessitates patience. The seed’s nature is to bear fruit, but the process requires time and patience. Just like someone who sows a seed in the ground and expects immediate growth, digging up the soil prematurely would only destroy the seed. Instead, waiting patiently is essential. During this waiting period, the best course of action is to create an environment conducive to growth, fostering the right conditions for the seed to flourish.
In addition to allowing the seed to grow naturally, there are actions you can take to support its growth. You can water the plant and provide nourishment to the soil through the use of manure. However, beyond these efforts, you must exercise patience and allow the seed to grow on its own. The seed will ultimately grow and bear fruit, but it requires patience. It’s important to recognize that a seed with significant potential often takes more time to yield results. So if you have received a word from the Lord that seems to be taking time to come to fruition, understand that you possess the seed of a giant killer. Such seeds require time to develop fully. Therefore, hold onto the same word you received and remain steadfast until you bear fruit with patience. This is why it emphasizes that good soil continually hears the word. Hearing the word is not a one-time occurrence where you simply wait passively. Particularly within Christian circles, it is common for individuals to respond with a melancholic tone, saying they are “waiting on the Lord” when asked about their lives. They express sadness, disappointment, and discouragement, stating that they are waiting on the Lord while being jobless.
What is waiting?
When someone says they are “waiting on the Lord,” it often means they are anticipating a change in their circumstances. They might be waiting for the right partner, marriage, a promotion, or admission to a desired program. However, it’s important to understand that waiting on the Lord is distinct from waiting for circumstances to change. The concept of waiting in Hebrew is derived from the word “qavah,” which depicts the image of interwoven braids of hair or intertwined cords. Waiting on the Lord involves being intertwined with the presence of God.
When we talk about waiting on God or when we encounter passages in the Bible that mention waiting on the Lord, it does not imply waiting for our circumstances to change as a passive action. It is not a state of inactivity. Instead, waiting on God involves actively participating in His goodness. It means being fully attentive and engaged in His presence. It is about intertwining ourselves so closely with God’s presence and wisdom that our present circumstances become inconsequential. Waiting on God is an active process where we are deeply connected to Him, regardless of our current situation.
Regardless of whether you were initially jobless or not, waiting on God is a transformative process. It allows you to transcend your circumstances and desires. While waiting on the Lord, the situation itself becomes insignificant, as your heart and perspective undergo a transformation. You overcome the impact of the situation on your heart. Waiting on the Lord enables you to shift your focus beyond your immediate circumstances, desires, and self. It’s not that God is unconcerned about changing your circumstances or fulfilling your desires. However, when we become consumed by these things, we tend to overlook the faithfulness and goodness of God. Waiting on the Lord helps remove distractions and enables us to become deeply intertwined with the presence of our Heavenly Father.
If you desire to fast and pray, by all means, go for it. If you wish to spend time in the presence of God, praying and waiting on the Lord while immersing yourself in His word, go ahead. However, it’s important to understand that waiting on the Lord does not imply waiting for your circumstances to change. This misunderstanding often leads many Christians to experience disappointment. For instance, they may pray for 30 minutes and feel discouraged when nothing seemingly happens. They might then plead with the Lord to give them another chance. Yet, when you truly engage with the presence of God, you experience a deep conviction and unwavering assurance that your circumstances will indeed change because you are aligning your thinking with God’s frequency.
Hebrews 6:12 – So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
What is the hindrance to wait patiently?
So, how do you inherit the promises? Through faith and patience—faith and patience go hand in hand. Patience involves waiting with a positive attitude. However, waiting doesn’t mean being inactive. Instead, it means actively participating in the goodness of the Father. Waiting means becoming so intimately connected with the presence of God that your thinking aligns with His. Consider this: if God were in your current situation, would He be stressed, worried, experiencing high blood pressure, or anxiety attacks? No, absolutely not. When you begin waiting on God and become intertwined with His presence, your reality shifts to reflect His nature. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The word “truth” originates from the Greek word “aletheia,” which means “reality.” Jesus can become your ultimate reality—the highest and most superior reality you and I can experience.
However, to truly experience this intertwining with His presence, it requires active engagement. Waiting on the Lord does not mean sitting in discouragement and isolating oneself, simply hoping for change. Waiting on the Lord means eagerly anticipating and actively participating in His goodness. Let me share a valuable insight: what hinders our ability to wait patiently? It is the combination of frustration and a lack of vision. We become frustrated because the desired outcome we are waiting for has not yet manifested. The word of the Lord may have come to us clearly and accurately, but when we don’t see its fulfillment, frustration sets in. Consequently, our ability to envision the outcome of that word becomes clouded. In other words, our desire for instant gratification becomes a hindrance to waiting patiently.
Instant gratification refers to the desire for immediate satisfaction or fulfillment without delay. It is the opposite of delayed gratification, which involves the ability to wait patiently until the desired outcome or reward is obtained. An illustrative experiment conducted by Stanford in the 1960s demonstrates this concept. They gathered a group of children, aged four to five, and placed them in a private room. Each child was given a marshmallow—a sweet treat that children adore. The children were informed that if they resisted eating the marshmallow immediately, they would receive a second marshmallow as a reward.
If you can delay your gratification, control your impulses, and resist the desire for just 15 minutes, I will return. If you can exhibit that control, I will reward you with a second marshmallow. However, the results of the study revealed a range of behaviors among the children. Some immediately consumed the marshmallow as soon as the researcher left the room. Others struggled and resisted for a while but eventually succumbed to temptation. However, there were a few who patiently waited and were ultimately rewarded with a second marshmallow. Remarkably, this study was conducted in 1960, and the researchers continued to track the lives of these children for the next 40 years. The findings were remarkable: those who demonstrated the ability to delay gratification enjoyed significantly better outcomes. They were less prone to substance abuse, achieved success in their careers, maintained a healthy lifestyle, and were less susceptible to obesity-related issues.
Another university, the University of Rochester, decided to conduct a follow-up experiment based on the concept of delayed gratification. They made a slight modification to the original experiment. Prior to being taken to the private room where the marshmallow was presented, the children were brought to another private room and given small crayons. This time, the instructions were different: if they refrained from using the crayons, the researchers would return in five minutes instead of the previous 15 minutes, and reward them with bigger crayons. However, there was a twist in the experiment. Some children were not given the promised bigger crayons when the researchers returned after five minutes, while another group did receive the bigger crayons as promised.
Therefore, we have two groups of children: one that did not receive the bigger crayons and another that did.
Now, when these two groups of children were brought to the room where they were presented with the marshmallow, the question arises: which group do you think would be more likely to wait for the second marshmallow?
The children who did not receive the promised bigger crayons immediately consumed the marshmallow because they were unable to trust the person making the promise. They questioned the integrity of the researcher, thinking, “How can I trust this person? Last time, they took me to that room and promised a bigger crayon, but they didn’t follow through. So I’m not going to trust them now. I’ll just eat the marshmallow.” On the other hand, the group of children who witnessed their promise being fulfilled exhibited patience and waited for the full 15 minutes to receive a second marshmallow.
The underlying message here is that the ability to delay gratification is a skill that can be cultivated and developed within oneself.
Delayed gratification is not solely determined by genetics or external circumstances; it is a trait that can be cultivated and developed through personal programming. One aspect of this programming involves evaluating the integrity and ability of the promise giver. Faith, in this context, refers to believing in the promise giver and trusting that they possess both integrity and the capability to fulfill their promises. However, it is important to acknowledge that while some individuals may possess the ability to delay gratification, they may lack the necessary integrity to be trusted by others. In such cases, it becomes crucial to reflect on why anyone would place their trust in someone who lacks integrity.
Imagine I offer you 10,000 rupees. You might recognize that I possess the means to provide that amount, but you doubt my integrity. In this case, why would you trust me? After all, I could easily change my mind or go back on my word. On the other hand, let’s suppose I assure you that I will give you $1 million, and you have no doubt about my integrity. However, you know that I lack the ability to fulfill that promise. Once again, why would you trust me? Can you see the dilemma? Trust, or faith, lies in believing both in someone’s ability and their integrity to deliver on their promises.
Now, apply this concept to your faith in the word of God. If you genuinely believe that the message you have received is from God Himself, and you trust in His ability and unwavering integrity to fulfill His promises, then you can wait patiently, regardless of the challenging circumstances you may encounter. Remember, what you perceive in the physical realm is temporary and subject to change.
Indeed, it is true that what we perceive in the physical realm is temporary, while what we see in the spiritual realm is everlasting. Let’s consider a glass of water as an example. At this moment, it may appear full, but that state is transient. However, what we observe in the spiritual realm has permanence.
Nevertheless, the challenge lies in the fact that our hearts often become troubled by what we witness in the physical realm. Yet, the Lord encourages us to shift our focus to the spiritual, to fixate on His Word. By doing so, His promises will manifest in our lives. We can be certain of it. Even if we have yet to witness these promises materialize in the physical realm, if we hold fast to His Word, it will undoubtedly bear fruit. Nonetheless, patience is crucial in this waiting process—patience to endure and wait for the fulfillment of those promises.
Consider the example of Abraham, who received a promise from the Lord when he was 75 years old. However, it took 25 years for that promise to come to fruition when Abraham reached the age of 100. This illustrates the necessity of patience and perseverance in holding onto the Word and waiting for its fulfillment.
As Abraham waits for the fulfillment of God’s promise, he is not without flaws. There are instances where he makes mistakes along the way. One such occasion arises when he heeds his wife’s intriguing suggestion. Now, let me clarify that it is important to listen to one’s spouse, but it is equally crucial to discern the source and motivation behind their proposals.
In this case, Sarah proposes that Abraham should have a child with her maidservant since they have been unable to conceive. Surprisingly, Abraham readily agrees without hesitation. They proceed with this plan, and Ishmael is born as a result. However, Ishmael’s existence ends up posing challenges and complications that persist even today, as it jeopardizes the fulfillment of God’s original promise. Why did this happen? It can be attributed to Abraham’s desire for immediate gratification. He was unwilling to patiently wait for the Lord’s timing and instead sought immediate solutions.
However, it is crucial to grasp the distinction between waiting and being inactive. Waiting does not imply a state of passivity or doing nothing. It signifies actively trusting in God’s timing and remaining obedient to His guidance while patiently anticipating the fulfillment of His promises.
What we misunderstand here is that if Abraham had done nothing, it would have been better than engaging in something foolish. The problem lies in the fact that his actions stemmed from a misguided intention. How can we discern this?
Genesis 16:2 – And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
When Sarah claimed that the Lord had denied her the ability to have children, it raises a significant question. If one is aware that the Lord does not desire them to possess something, why would they seek alternative means to obtain it?
See, that goes against God’s heart, doesn’t it? God’s heart is for Abraham and Sarah to have children. However, Sarah expresses that God has prevented her from having children, indicating that it is not in alignment with God’s will. So why would you choose a rebellious alternative that goes against God’s promise? By rebelling against God’s promise, your heart becomes rebellious, and the outcome reflects that rebellion. Even to this day, the fruit of rebellion continues to jeopardize God’s promise. There is no lasting peace in that region, and the fulfillment of God’s promise has resulted in the formation of countries and nations, witnessing how the people of Israel still endure suffering and hostility. Immediate gratification is perilous, my friends, as it has the potential to undermine God’s promise and purpose in your life.
When we initiated the Bible study in 2015, we had no comprehension of God’s plan. We began the study simply because the Lord placed it upon our hearts. There was no preconceived church idea, no agenda, and no 10-year strategy. We were merely a group of friends gathering to learn from the Bible. However, as time progressed, the Lord began revealing dreams to me. Today, where we find ourselves is the realization of a dream I had in 2015, yet I lacked the courage to share it with my friends. Instead, I offered them glimpses of what the Lord was impressing upon my heart, but they were unable to fully grasp it.
What I’m trying to convey is that even though the physical circumstances did not reflect the present reality, I lived with a mindset rooted in the future. I lived based on the certainty of God’s word and the vision He had bestowed upon me. Faith, you see, has the power to manifest hope and make it a tangible reality in the present. Faith becomes the substance that brings forth the things we hope for, aligning us with what God has in store for us according to His word. The first step in exercising faith is allowing your mind to dwell on the promises of the Lord.
Your physical body may still be confined by its present limitations, but your mind has transcended those boundaries. It has propelled itself forward, dwelling in the realm of God’s promises. As your mind remains steadfast in that place, it begins to influence your heart as well. Once the mind and heart align with the vision and promises that the Lord has for you, your body naturally follows suit, stepping into that reality. It took nearly eight years for this promise to unfold in our lives.
It took us eight years, but what I want to emphasize is that we began experiencing and living in this reality long before today. That’s why the remarkable things that the Lord is presently accomplishing do not come as a surprise to me. I was already living in that reality, even though I had not yet witnessed its full fruition. In fact, during those years, we faced numerous challenges, including persecution from within our friend circle. We encountered discouragement and experienced divisions among the few people who were with us. But despite all that, The Lord gave us His word, and we learned to anchor ourselves in that word. Even though our physical circumstances didn’t reflect it, our minds and hearts resided in the future that God’s promises held. As a result, our bodies were drawn into that reality. God orchestrated everything in His perfect timing. Waiting is crucial, my friends. The reason why God’s word doesn’t immediately bring us into its fulfillment is that we often need preparation. Waiting allows us to be mentally and emotionally prepared. It aligns everything around us to create a suitable atmosphere for the promise to be realized. Waiting is not a test of our faithfulness or a means for God to punish us. Instead, it is God’s way of preparing us internally and externally. Everything that needs to align with the reality of His word is being meticulously arranged.
Let’s consider the temptation of Jesus. One of the temptations the devil presented was the offer of vast kingdoms, wealth, and riches. The devil claimed to possess it all and promised to give it to Jesus instantly if He would bow down. However, Jesus’ purpose was to reclaim every power and authority that the devil had taken. The process was not about obtaining things easily or through compromise. Instead, it was about Jesus freely and rightfully reclaiming what was rightfully His, according to God’s plan.
It’s important to understand that not every door of opportunity that presents itself is from God. Even the devil knows how to create enticing opportunities. Merely because a door appears open, it doesn’t mean we should rush into it. It could be a deceptive trap that would ultimately hold us captive like a prison door.
Indeed, Jesus was able to discern that the temptation was not aligned with His Father’s will, and He had the strength to say no to it. However, we often find ourselves falling into similar temptations repeatedly. Why does this happen? It’s because we have a tendency to seek immediate gratification of the promises we have received. We must learn to wait on the Lord patiently, for it is through patience that we bear fruit.
Waiting with Strategy
In Matthew 25, there is a well-known parable that Jesus shared about the ten virgins. Take note of this passage and meditate on it later. In this parable, the ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, each carrying a lamp. However, out of the ten, five were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones had the foresight to carry extra oil in flasks.
What did the wise virgins do differently? They carried a flask of oil with them. On the other hand, the foolish virgins did not bring extra oil because they believed it was unnecessary. They knew they were waiting for the bridegroom who had promised to arrive at the appropriate time. So carrying extra oil didn’t seem logical to them.
However, as the parable unfolds, the bridegroom is delayed for some reason. Now, here’s the important point: Our tendency is to seek theological explanations for why promises are delayed. We want to understand the reasoning behind it. However, the Bible does not provide explicit explanations for every delay we encounter.
There is no apparent explanation for that. Without a clear explanation, it might be best not to delve too deep into it, as there may be nothing significant behind it. Alternatively, it could be something meant for someone else, not meant for us to decipher. We tend to develop elaborate theological explanations for such situations. But why? We may have prayed for healing or a promotion, only to be disappointed when it didn’t happen. We often create theological frameworks to understand why there is a delay. However, it is not our task to unravel the reasons for the delay; instead, we should focus on what the five wise women did. They were prepared with flasks of oil. Our responsibility, therefore, is to be ready for the waiting period. Being prepared during this time requires us to develop a strategy. If we fail to come up with a strategy while waiting, we may become frustrated and give in to impatience.
You must come up with a strategy. Let’s repeat together: waiting with strategy, waiting with strategy. The reason these five wise women were considered wise is that they had a well-thought-out strategy in place. What if, for some unforeseen reason, there is a delay? In that case, I will ensure I carry extra oil. Waiting with strategy is essential. Yes, you have received a promise of promotion according to the word of the law. But what if that promotion gets delayed? How will you wait with strategy? Yes, God said you will find the right partner, but what if the timing gets prolonged? What actions will you take while waiting? How will you wait with strategy?
Don’t become disheartened just because there’s a delay. However, ask yourself: Are you truly waiting with a strategy? Only those who have unwavering faith in the word can effectively strategize. Consider someone who plants an apple seed and wholeheartedly believes that it will grow into an apple tree bearing fruit. That person can strategize and patiently wait to witness the fruition. If you haven’t taken the time to strategize during your waiting, it indicates a lack of firm conviction in your faith. It doesn’t mean I’m calling you foolish, but according to the Bible, it states that such behavior is considered foolish.
How many of you here have received a word that is yet to come to pass? You’re in a season of waiting. Now, the question is, do you have a strategy in place for this waiting period? Have you developed a strategy? Let’s consider the example of Moses. Where was Moses born? Although he was born in his parents’ house, he was raised in the palace. He was known as a prince and had access to all the worldly pleasures. However, the Bible tells us that he did not choose the path of worldly pleasure. Instead, he identified himself with the mistreatment of his people. This demonstrates that even though he held the title of a prince, he was aware of God’s calling upon his life.
He was aware of God’s calling upon his life, and he desired to be a savior for his Hebrew brothers and sisters. However, the issue arose when he acted prematurely without waiting for God’s instruction. In his haste, he ended up taking someone’s life, leading to his escape from the palace at the age of 40. Moses found himself in the wilderness, where he spent the next 40 years as a shepherd, tending to sheep. It was during this period that the voice of the Lord finally came to him. God utilized Moses to deliver his people. It’s important to grasp this significant aspect of Moses’ journey.
Around 10 million people departed from Egypt and found themselves wandering in the wilderness. Initially, the journey was meant to last only 10 to 11 days, but it ended up stretching to 40 years, with the people frequently expressing their desire to return to Egypt. However, Moses, who was born in the palace, did not harbor any inclination to go back. Do you see the difference? The slaves, who had been liberated, yearned to return to Egypt, seeking immediate gratification. On the other hand, Moses, the prince, had no such desire. What sets them apart? The distinction lies in their willingness to wait. The slaves wanted instant fulfillment, while Moses understood the value of delayed gratification.
During those 40 years when Moses tended to the sheep, God was preparing a strategy—a well-thought-out plan. Delayed gratification means accepting short-term setbacks for long-term victories. It requires sacrificing immediate gains to secure greater rewards in the future. Now, let me share some practical tips on how to wait upon the Lord with strategy. Your strategy involves disciplining your body and cultivating the ability to hear God’s voice.
What is your strategy? It is to practice discipline in your daily life and cultivate the ability to hear God’s voice consistently, not just on Sundays or during church gatherings. Attending church is commendable, but your commitment should extend beyond that to your Mondays, Tuesdays, and every other day. Disciplining your body is an integral part of waiting on the Lord with patience. By doing so, you can resist the temptation of seeking immediate gratification and patiently await the fulfillment of God’s promises.
These spiritual disciplines we discuss are essential in the process of waiting. They enable you to discipline yourself and persevere until you witness the fruit of God’s promises. Now, here’s a crucial aspect. When you wait on the Lord, one of two things happens each day. Either you receive instructions from Him, or you don’t receive any instructions at all. If you receive instructions, it’s common sense to obey them. And if you don’t receive any instructions, then the appropriate course of action is to do nothing.
You might be surprised, but many people become frustrated when they have nothing specific to do. It’s relatively easier to follow an instruction. Let me share an example from my own experience. One Tuesday morning, I woke up, and the Lord instructed me to read a particular chapter in the Bible. I followed His instruction, read the chapter, and then I was led to worship Him. It was an incredible day filled with blessings. However, the next day came, and I was still waiting for further instructions, but none came. It can be challenging to embrace the concept of doing nothing when you’re not given a specific instruction.
But here’s what I want to emphasize: regardless of whether you have received a specific instruction from the Lord or not, He is always speaking to you. Sometimes your mind comprehends His message, while other times it may not. Just because your mind hasn’t fully grasped an instruction doesn’t mean that the Lord is not speaking to you. Let me illustrate this with an analogy. When a newcomer joins a church, if you ask them what they heard from the Lord, they may feel confused and unsure. However, if you inquire about their experience of peace and joy, they might respond positively. They felt the peace and joy that comes from the Word. So, even if your mind hasn’t completely comprehended the Word, the presence of peace and joy can be sufficient evidence that you have received His message.
Can you move even without receiving specific instructions? All you need is to embrace what you must obey for the day. If you can move from that place of peace and joy, it is because you have received the word. Your mind may not fully comprehend it, but the evidence lies in the peace and joy you feel.
I am determined to live my life in the embrace of peace and joy, fully surrendering to the goodness of God, trusting that He has everything under control. Receiving the word is not limited to receiving instructions alone. It also means accepting the reality of God’s kingdom within your heart, where peace and joy reside. These emotions can be experienced and felt. Therefore, in your spiritual journey, if you haven’t received specific instructions or a profound revelation, it’s perfectly alright. But have you felt the peace and joy of the Lord? That alone is sufficient for you, enough to guide you forward. However, if you haven’t received any instructions and if the peace and joy elude you, then it’s crucial to spend more time in stillness. Immerse yourself in the Word until you can rise up from that place of peace and joy. Remember, you know the Father who has made you promises. He holds your life and the word in His hands. Does this resonate with you? Yes, waiting is inevitable for all of us. When you have received the word, waiting becomes like a seat you occupy. The question is, how do you wait? Waiting strategically is what cultivates patience and leads to fruitful outcomes. So what is your strategy? It is to cultivate a discipline of hearing God’s voice. Whether that voice is understood in your mind or felt within your heart, as long as you can hear God’s voice, you are equipped.
Imagine someone working diligently and receiving a word from the Lord about their future. They are informed that a promotion awaits them, and their entire life is about to take a significant turn. God’s plan is to elevate and increase them. This is the word they have received. Now, as they patiently wait upon the Lord, they receive an instruction: “Why not pursue a course in communications?” Initially, they may be perplexed by this suggestion, as they had been focusing on improving their technical skills as part of their strategic waiting, following the advice they heard from Pastor Sam. However, in this moment of discipline, the word of the Lord interrupts their plans and redirects their focus away from the technical aspects towards communication.
As the individual’s desire is to obey God’s word, they decide to enroll in a course on communication. Upon completing the course, a new opportunity unexpectedly presents itself in the field of marketing and sales. Their bosses recognize their potential based on their performance in the course and offer them a position, completely transforming their career. This story illustrates that waiting with strategy doesn’t necessarily mean relying solely on one’s own intellect and plans. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and disciplining oneself to hear His voice. God has a comprehensive understanding of what the future holds, even beyond what our limited minds can comprehend. So the true strategy lies not only in personal preparation, such as reading countless books on a particular subject like marriage, but in cultivating the ability to hear and discern God’s voice. For it is through His voice that we find true sustenance and guidance.
By disciplining oneself to attune to His voice, one can be prepared for the journey ahead. It is important to remember that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. His voice carries the essence and reality of the promises He has made, and in receiving His voice, one receives the fulfillment of those promises.
About the author
