The power of waiting
Good morning brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation on the topic: “The power of waiting.” Our anchor Scripture is Isaiah 40:31 “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.” Many believers struggle with the challenge of waiting on God. We often desire immediate answers, breakthroughs, and victories. However, it is important to understand that God frequently works through seasons of waiting. Waiting develops our faith, reveals God’s perfect timing, strengthens His people, and ultimately leads to victories that bring glory to His name. But what does it mean to wait on God? Waiting on God means trusting His promises, remaining faithful, continuing steadfastly in prayer, obeying His Word, and expecting Him to move in His perfect time.
Waiting should never be mistaken for inactivity or a lack of faith. Rather, it is an act of faith and complete dependence on God. Abraham’s life provides a powerful example. God promised him a son when he was 75 years old, yet Isaac was not born until Abraham was 100 (Genesis 12–21). During those 25 years of waiting, Abraham’s faith was tested, and at one point he made the mistake of trying to fulfil God’s promise through human effort by having Ishmael. Nevertheless, God remained faithful and fulfilled His promise at the appointed time. This reminds us that God’s promises never expire because of delay. Joseph’s story is another example (Genesis 37–50). God gave Joseph dreams of greatness, but before those dreams were fulfilled, he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and imprisoned. His season of waiting was not wasted—it prepared him for leadership. This teaches us that God prepares the person before fulfilling the promise. It is also important to remember that God’s timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” God is never early, and He is never late. He is always on time. In John 11, Jesus delayed four days after hearing that Lazarus was sick. From a human perspective, it seemed too late. Yet Jesus declared “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.” His delay resulted in a greater miracle and greater glory for God. Likewise, the birth of Jesus took place at God’s appointed time. Galatians 4:4 says “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…” Everything concerning our redemption happened according to God’s perfect timetable. Another reason we should patiently wait on God is because victory belongs to Him. As believers, we fight from a place of victory because Christ has already won the ultimate battle through His death and resurrection. When David faced Goliath, his victory did not come from superior strength or better weapons. His confidence rested in God as he declared “The battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17) Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were surrounded by powerful enemies. As they sought the Lord in prayer, God assured them “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” As the people worshipped, God caused the enemy armies to turn against one another, giving His people victory without them lifting a sword. The fall of the walls of Jericho provides another powerful lesson. Instead of attacking the city, God instructed the Israelites to march around the walls in obedience (Joshua 6). They trusted His instructions, and at the appointed time, the walls came down. This reminds us that victory comes through obedience. A typical season of waiting often follows this pattern: God gives a promise, a season of waiting begins, waiting develops our faith, God strengthens and prepares us, God moves at the appointed time, God receives the glory through the victory. So, what should we do while we are waiting? Keep praying (Luke 18:1), trusting God (Proverbs 3:5–6), obeying His Word (John 14:15), Keep serving faithfully (Galatians 6:9) and praising God (Psalm 34:1). Be encouraged today. God’s grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in weakness. He fights for His people, and He never abandons those who put their trust in Him.
In conclusion, Psalm 27:14 says “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” God’s delays are never His denials. Waiting on Him is an opportunity for growth, not a sign of abandonment. Even when we cannot see Him working, we can be confident that He is accomplishing His perfect purpose. Our responsibility is simply to remain faithful, obedient, prayerful, and hopeful until His appointed time. Our service begins at 10:15 am, and the Worker’s meeting starts at 9:45 am. God blessings – Mike