Hurry Up and Wait

Maybe you have some decisions to make this summer. You might need wisdom regarding a relationship, last-minute college choice, negotiating your relationship with your parents, finding a job. Certainly, we all have choices to make regarding all sorts of decisions; but at other times, we just need to "wait on the Lord." No one likes to wait. We live in a culture that demands everything now. It is hard enough waiting for your friend to text you back quickly, meet you at a coffee shop on time or get picked up to go to the mall to meet friends. There are seasons in life when you just need to wait on God. In his practical book Let God Guide You Daily, Wesley Duewel shares a list of reasons why you and I should wait sometimes.

First, waiting on God enables you to know God better. Like so many biblical characters who spend hours with the Lord, we to have an opportunity to grow during "waiting" times.

Second, waiting on God teachers you spiritual lessons. God wants to work through your life to impact the world, but He also wants to work in you. Prayer and waiting dependence helps you grow in grace, peace, joy, endurance and faith.

Third, waiting on God strengthens your faith. Sometimes we want to take everything into our own hands because we don't really trust that God has it under control in his timing. Allow this time to grow your faith in God.

Fourth, waiting on God develops self-confidence. When you wait on God, depending on Haim, something happens to your assurance in the decisions you need to make. You grow in more confidence.

Fifth, waiting on God develops a spirit of praise. Times of waiting and depending cause us either to become restless or restful in worship. If the purpose of all of creation is to worship the Lord, then God might be hitting the brakes to cause you to wake up to worship.

Sixth, waiting on God quiets your heart. When we are running around from task to task and person to person without slowing down, we might miss what God is doing. Stopping, waiting and listening causes us to tune into God's voice.

Seventh, waiting on God clarifies His voice. In major decisions such as choosing a college, major, future spouse or job we need time to decide. Don't rush into decisions that will impact you greatly. Wait on God in prayer.

Eighth, waiting on God makes you willing. Sometimes you know the direction you need to go, but need the confidence and desire to step out in faith. Waiting on the Lord in prayer can cause your heart to move out.

Ninth, waiting on God prepares for greater blessing. God has huge plans for you. He wants to work in you and through you the rest of your life. If we move too fast, God's full impact might not be realized. Don't short cut God's blessing.   

Ten, waiting on God helps prepare others. In any given decision, it might not be you God is working on and getting ready. He might want you to wait so He can work in someone else's heart and mind. Give Him time to massage another's heart.

I don't know why you need to wait on the Lord, but slow down and take advantage of this time. There is no need to be fast when you know God is in control. If you hurry up and wait with patience, believing and expectancy, the Lord will teach you many valuable lessons.