Years ago, when I was in third grade, our youth group leader asked the class, “What is the most difficult part of being a Christian?” The class had a variety of answers – I don’t even remember what my response was – but sixty years later, I know what I would have answered.
The most difficult part of being faithful is waiting.
Difficulty in Waiting
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). But I want – I need – my strength now. I don’t want to wait.
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15). But Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years before the birth of Isaac! Think of what they went through during those years. How can we wait that long for God?
“Jesus told his disciples, ‘Wait here while I go over there and pray’” (Matthew 26:36). Within the hour, Jesus’ closest disciples had drifted to sleep. The spirit is willing …but it is so difficult to wait.
The other day I was sitting at the ballpark waiting for the baseball game to begin. As I noticed about twenty minutes on the clock before the first pitch was scheduled, I instinctively pulled out my cell phone and began to play my favorite word search game. Some people go to Facebook; others flip through photographs. What is your habit for wasting time when you are doing nothing?
We tend to think the same way when we are waiting on God. It is easy to perceive that we – and God – are just wasting time. Let’s shift our thinking to understand that God is up to something while we wait. Here are some concrete actions that you can do while you wait.
While You Wait
First, make a routine for spending time regularly with God. Carve out some of your “prime-time” moments and dedicate those each day for praying to God or for reading Scripture. Being with God will keep us from being distracted and allowing our minds to wander into worry and doubt.
Think about what happens when you haven’t heard from one of your adult children or a good friend. We begin to think, “Has something happened to them?” or “Are they mad at me?” Before long, we question what we have done wrong. We become convinced that the person has forgotten about us.
God is Up to Something
We tend to think the same things about our relationship with God. I have sinned so much God has abandoned me. My problems are too much – even for God. He has either forgotten about me or maybe He doesn’t even exist.
Don’t give God the six minutes before you fall asleep. Take the moments of your day when you are at your best. It is easy for my mind to wander when I pray. During these important times of praying, I often write out my prayers. When my eyes are not closed and I am writing things on paper, my mind stays sharp and focused.
Second, spend time with other believers who you trust. When times are challenging, many of us withdraw from activities and being with others. During these times, we need the encouragement and accountability that comes from other people. We are a much stronger, more resilient people when we are with others. There is a reason that Solomon told us that two or three cords together are not easily broken.
Finally, look for specific things that you can do to be of service to others. Volunteer at a local shelter, offer to help do things around your church building, or spend time working for your favorite charity. Instead of just tapping your feet impatiently, tap into the strength that comes from being a help to others.
Saturday Summary
Solomon offered this conclusion as he pondered the meaning and purpose for life: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV). Paul put it this way – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).
When we are waiting on God, he orchestrates events and answers beyond our wildest imagination. The disciples were waiting, feeling hopelessly abandoned by a Savior whose life was snuffed out by an indifferent government and misguided religious leaders.
While you are waiting, always remember, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”