While We Wait

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

The tag line of eDevotion is, Encouragement for your daily walk with God. I have that in mind as I write each and every eDevotion. Sometimes it comes in the form of edification, sometimes exhortation. But encouragement is always at the heart of it. 

Today, I want to encourage those of you who are waiting. It goes to the issue of patience. Let’s face it, it’s just really hard to be patient. So, what’s happening during the waiting periods? If we are waiting in/on the Lord, most likely He is preparing us for ministry. Let me suggest four things about this.

Waiting cultivates patience. Patience is a problem for everyone, young or old. We live in what has been described as an “instant” society. Therefore, waiting in extended periods of time (developing patience) is an essential quality.

Waiting cultivates humility. It seems to me that while we are waiting, the Lord reminds us that we are not the star of the show. We are not indispensable. When we understand that, it makes for genuine humility. It took a while for Paul to become the great leader that he was. At first, though, he waited while others - Peter and Barnabas, for example - were in charge. In due time, he would rise in leadership. The timing was up to God, not him. 

Waiting cultivates depth. While we wait, we gain new insights about God and ministry. Those insights take us deeper in Christ. Let’s be truthful here, we don’t need smarter people today for ministry. We need deeper people! That happens as we wait on the Lord. 

Waiting cultivates effectiveness. I think of this as the “surprise” factor in ministry. “Me? Are you sure you want me, God?” There are always people that have greater qualities than you have. It’s refreshing to know that God will use us anyway. As a result, we walk in thankfulness and humility, amazed at the way God uses us. 

Maybe that’s the key. The best person for a ministry may be the one who’s amazed that God could use them. He can use you, too. Wait patiently on Him.

…but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40.31