One of the hardest things to do is “wait”. Waiting doesn’t sound like a faith word or even a word that demonstrates believing God. Waiting almost seems to have a faltering connotation, like what one would do at those times when one has no idea what else to do.
“To wait” >> “to remain inactive or in a state of repose, until something expected happens” (as per dictionary.com).
There are times in life when we are confronted with a circumstance or difficulty in which we have no idea what we are to do. And like Moses, we must remind ourselves …
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm [wait] and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” (Exodus 14:13, NIV)
There it is – Wait. Wait until something happens. Faith says, “Wait. Stand firm.” Our feelings may tell us otherwise ….
- Discouragement says, “Throw in the towel. Give up. What’s the use?”
- Impatience says, “Do something! Why waste time? Take the bull by the horns. “
- Pride says, “You’re savvy. You know what to do. You don’t need anyone. Just go with what you know.”
- Fear says, “This is too hard. You’re too weak. You have no idea what will happen if you try.”
And to each of these, our faith says, “Stand firm and watch the Lord rescue you today.”
The Israelites panicked when they saw the Egyptians bearing down on them and ready to overtake them. In their panic, they forgot all that God had already done in order to get them out of Egypt. But one person at least had not forgotten. Moses remembered all God had done and he knew to apply what he had learned to this current crisis of faith. Moses had no idea what God was going to do. But in this one statement of faith, he declared his confidence in God before the people.
Waiting is not a hesitancy at all. It is not an idleness but actually an action. It takes strength to restrain oneself from jumping and doing every idea which comes into our heads. It takes believing in God to do something on our behalf, which will cause us to be calm and stand firm. In standing firm, we don’t back down to our feelings, our fears or suggestions from others. In standing firm, we wait in expectancy upon our God to do something, to direct us to action, or to tell us to move.
We must never force ourselves into action.
 Rather may we stand firm and wait on our God.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and RaRa Linkup and Life Giving and Intentional Tuesdays .
Such great words of wisdom here. I was just listening to Wendy Blight from P31 Ministries talk about this recently, as she has a book coming out about waiting. She said waiting on God will never hurt you, it will only build your character and conform you to his image if you continue to seek Him. Thanks for sharing this! Glad to connect via #RaRaLinkup.
Love what you shared from Wendy Blight. Sounds like a book to add to my “to read” list 🙂 Thank you for sharing, Abby.
Something I am always needing to learn. I love this: “It takes strength to restrain oneself from jumping and doing every idea which comes into our heads.” I tend to jump in and do things on my own strength, which is so insufficient. Thank you for the wonderful words, much needed. -Your sister on Rich Faith Rising Linkup
I think I have been known to be impetuous a time or two 🙂 May we learn to restrain ourselves & wait on Him. May you have a blessed Sunday!
One of my favorite studies was looking up all of God’s promises to those who wait for Him. Amazing!
Looking up His promises is so faith building. We find each one to amaze us.
Awesome encouragement today! Waiting is an action word! Definitely something to ponder in a world that runs at a frantic pace. Thanks for sharing Joanne.
So glad you were encouraged, Deb. Amazing to think of waiting as an action when we so often equate it with inactivity. May you have a blessed Sunday! XO
“It takes strength to restrain oneself from jumping and doing every idea which comes into our heads.” Joanne, such truth to your words as we wait and trust and place our faith in Him who is faithful.
Thank you, Joanne, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Crystal, it was wonderful to join you! May God bless & grow your community.
Wait and see the deliverance of the Lord. The prophet told the scared helper not to worry. He prayed that the helpers eyes would be opened, and when they were – he saw a large host of warrior angels ready to protect and fight off the enemy. There is so much we could see if our eyes were open. Wait on God by praying and seeking more of Jesus then when he says go forth – it is time to obey. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Loved that you shared this, Hazel > “There is so much we could see if our eyes were open.” Keeping both my eyes & ears open this morning as I head to church. Don’t want to miss a thing today. Blessings!
Reblogged this on Father Speak to Me and commented:
Stand firm…. dig in…. hold your position with your believing heart and mind!