My German Shephard is very persistent. When he wants to play, he drops a ball in my lap or on the floor in front of me. If I ignore him, he does it again and again. If I don’t respond? He sits there, stares and whines.
Sometimes, the answer isn’t yes or no, it’s “Wait Hogan.” He doesn’t like waiting. Neither do I. But waiting IS an answer whether he likes it or not.
It’s the same when we pray. God’s answer might be yes, or no, but, sometimes, it’s “wait.” And, it's silent. Nothing. And, when that happens? We need to be still and patient according to Psalms 37:7 and trust that God knows in His sovereignty what He is doing!
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:
God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways.
So, what WE think is right, may NOT be right at all!
So, you ask, how do I wait for an answer? There is no perfect way. But, there are some things to think about when you are in the waiting room.
- Ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says He will give it to you if you ask for it.
- Stay close to Him. The more time you spend with God in prayer, the more you’re likely to hear His gentle whisper or sense the direction He has for you.
- Stay in the Word daily! Ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from your reading.
- Speak with a trusted friend. Proverbs 15:22 says plans fail for a lack of counsel, but, with may advisors, they succeed. Caveat: Speak with friends who share your values and are not afraid to be upfront. Do not expect non-Christian friends to give you godly advice!
- Memorize Psalms 25:4-5
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long!"
Finally, Proverbs 16:9 says our hearts plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps. He WILL reveal the right steps to us in His perfect timing! We just have to wait and remember Ecclesiastes 3:1 which says:
“There is a time for everything. And, a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Are you in the waiting room? Then TRUST him and WAIT with confidence that He will guide you in His perfect timing!
This is Moving Moments. Now it’s YOUR time to make a move!