Waiting is an integral part of the human experience. We are often in a state of anticipation for things to come, or for things to turn out a certain way. The Bible speaks to this experience in a variety of ways, presenting a complex teaching about the power of patience and perseverance.
The Bible speaks of waiting in two ways. In one sense, it encourages patience and endurance in the face of delays in life. Proverbs 12:15-16 says, “The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.” In other words, strict adherence to obedience and virtue is the pathway to success. In this sense, the Bible encourages us to focus on living a God-honoring life and waiting for the rewards that come with that patience in the long-run.
In the second sense, the Bible speaks of waiting for something greater. Hebrews 10:36-37 reads “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, and he who is coming will come and will not tarry.” Here, the Bible encourages us to look forward to a time when the kingdom of God will come and when God will make everything right in the world. It encourages us to wait in faith knowing that the fulfillment of this promise is just around the corner. In this sense, the Bible teaches us to look past the current difficulties of life and to stay hopeful for something better in the future.
The Bible also speaks of the power of prayer while waiting. In Isaiah 40:31-33, it states “Those who 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.” This verse speaks of the power of prayer and surrender to God. It encourages us to rely on God for strength and confidence in the waiting period, rather than to rely on our own strength or understanding.
In general, the Bible speaks to the idea of waiting in positive terms. While it does not promise the immediate results we want or expect, it does communicate to us the power of faith and surrender. Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to look past the present experiences and to trust in God’s plan and His perfect timing.
1 – The Benefits of Waiting on God
The Bible is clear on the benefits that waiting on God can bring. Not only does it teach us the importance of patience, self-control, and endurance, but it also stresses the necessity of faith and surrender. Psalm 27:14 reads “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” This verse communicates to us the power that comes with trusting God and relinquishing control over our own lives. In waiting upon God, we give Him the opportunity to work in and through us, allowing us to experience the joys of His divine plan.
In addition, the Bible emphasizes the importance of anticipation in the waiting process. In Psalm 62:5, it states “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Here, we are encouraged to put our faith in God and to look forward with hopeful anticipation to what He has in store. In this sense, waiting on God provides us with an opportunity to have faith and to experience the promises He has made.
Having said that, the Bible also speaks of the importance of action. We are to wait on the Lord, but we are also called to do our part. Acts 10:38 reads “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Here, we see that Jesus was willing to wait on the Lord, but at the same time He was actively fulfilling God’s will. Along with Jesus’ own example, the Bible is clear that waiting on God does not mean that we should stand idle and do nothing; rather, we should be actively engaged in doing the work that He has given us to do.
2 – Overcoming Temptations When Waiting
The process of waiting can be both challenging and difficult. In our efforts to wait on God, we can at times become overwhelmed by the trials and temptations of life. In these moments, it is important that we reach out to Him for strength and guidance. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Here, we are encouraged to seek God’s protection, comfort and strength in the midst of difficult times.
While there can be difficulties in waiting, the Bible also speaks of the importance of joy in the waiting process. For example, James 1:2-3 reads “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Here, the Bible speaks of the joy that comes with going through hard times and trusting God in the waiting period. It teaches us to look at difficult experiences as means of growing and strengthening our faith in Him.
In addition, the Bible speaks of the importance of hope and assurance in the waiting process. Romans 8:24-25 reads “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” This verse communicates to us the power of waiting in faith and trusting that God has a greater plan even if we can’t see it now.
3 – Learning from Past Experiences
Not only does the Bible provide us with guidance in the present, but it also teaches us to look to the past for lessons and reminders. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This verse communicates to us the importance of pausing to take stock of past experiences. It reminds us that God is always at work and that by looking back on past events, we can gain insight, understanding, and lessons that we can apply to the present moment.
Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to be mindful of what is to come. In Job 8:7, it reads “Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly.” Here, we are reminded that our present experiences of waiting are part of a larger narrative. That by putting our faith in Him and trusting in His plan, we can look forward to greater things in the future.
Finally, the Bible speaks of the pleasure that comes from the process of waiting. Psalm 27:14 encourages us to “wait for the Lord with a strong and courageous heart.” Instead of looking at this period of waiting as a burden, this verse encourages us to relish in the anticipation of better days and in the knowledge that God is working in and through us.
4 – Making Wise Decisions when Waiting
At times, the process of waiting can cause us to question our decisions and self-doubt can creep in. In these difficult moments, the Bible encourages us to pause and to trust in God’s plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse communicates to us the importance of relying on God and His wisdom rather than our own. It encourages us to make wise decisions when waiting and to trust that God is leading us on the right path.
The Bible also speaks of the power of prayer in the waiting process. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus teaches us to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Here, we are encouraged to turn to God for answers and for comfort when struggling to wait. Through prayer, we are reminded of the presence of God in our lives and of His promises for us in the future. While the waiting period can often be difficult, we are to approach it with patience, humility, and faith.
Finally, the Bible teaches us to embrace the waiting process and to accept that not all of our plans and timelines will work out. Ecclesiastes 3:2-3 says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” This verse reminds us to have faith and to trust in God’s plan. That even if our plans don’t play out the way we expect them to, God is ultimately in control and His timeline is perfect.
5 – Finding Strength and Encouragement in the Waiting
Having said that, the Bible is filled with encouragements and words of wisdom for those waiting. Isaiah 40:30-31 reads “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on 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.” Here, we are reminded of the strength and perseverance that comes with trusting in God. That even when things do not turn out as expected, He is always there to provide us with strength and courage to carry on.
The Bible also calls us to look to Jesus as an example of trust and faith during the waiting period. Hebrews 12:2 says “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Here, Jesus’ own example reminds us to trust in God and to endure the trials of life with joy and hope. Even in the moments when it is difficult and the future is uncertain, God is always near and His promise of better days in the future is just around the corner.
In general, the Bible speaks to the power and importance of waiting. It teaches us that while it can be difficult, waiting on the Lord can bring tremendous blessings and rewards in the long-run. As we wait, we are called to look to God in prayer and trust that His plan is perfect. We are also called to actively engage in the process and to accept that there is not one right way to do things. By trusting in God and believing in His promises, we can find strength and encouragement in the waiting period.
