Waiting Well: Lessons from the Old Testament for Trusting God's Timing
Pastor Reed Sowell
Waiting is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's waiting in line for your morning coffee, waiting for important news, or waiting for a life-changing event, we all find ourselves in situations where patience is required. But how do we wait well? This article explores lessons from the Old Testament, particularly from the experiences of the Israelites and David, on how to wait with faith and trust in God. Click the link above for the full message.
The Importance of Waiting Well
Waiting well is more than just being patient. It's about trusting in God's timing and maintaining faith, even when it's difficult. Waiting well reflects our trust in God and is a powerful testimony to a world that often feels nervous and anxious.
The Israelites: A Lesson in How Not to Wait
Impatience Leads to Idolatry
The Israelites' journey through the desert provides a stark example of how not to wait. After being led out of slavery in Egypt and witnessing countless miracles, they quickly grew impatient when Moses took too long on Mount Sinai.
"When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. 'Come on,' they said, 'make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'” (Exodus 32:1-4, NLT)
Despite all that God had done, their impatience led them to create and worship a golden calf. This act of turning to false gods highlights the dangers of losing faith during periods of waiting. It's a reminder to stay steadfast in faith and not abandon our beliefs, even when God seems distant.
Longing for the Past
When the Israelites neared the Promised Land, they faced fortified cities and formidable inhabitants, which led them to doubt God's promise. They preferred the familiarity of their past slavery over the uncertainty of their promised future.
"Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!' they complained. 'Why is the LORD taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?' Then they plotted among themselves, 'Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!'" (Numbers 14:2-4, NLT)
This narrative illustrates how waiting can tempt us to revert to old, unhealthy comforts. It’s crucial to resist these temptations and trust in God's plan, even when the path ahead seems daunting.
David: A Model of Waiting Well
Anointed but Not Yet Appointed
David's story is a powerful example of waiting well. Anointed as king while still a young shepherd, David faced a long and dangerous journey before he actually assumed the throne.
"So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah." (1 Samuel 16:13, NLT)
Despite being chosen by God, David had to wait about 15-17 years before becoming king. During this period, he was pursued by Saul, the reigning king who sought to kill him. David's response to this adversity teaches us valuable lessons about trusting in God's timing.
Trusting God's Timing and Process
David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and expedite his path to the throne, yet he chose to wait for God's timing.
"Now’s your opportunity!' David’s men whispered to him. 'Today the LORD is telling you, “I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.”' So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 'The LORD knows I shouldn’t have done that to my lord the king,' he said to his men. 'The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.'" (1 Samuel 24:4-6, NLT)
David's refusal to kill Saul, even when it seemed justifiable, underscores the importance of patience and integrity. He trusted God's process and timing, demonstrating a profound faith that God's plan would unfold at the right moment.
Practical Steps to Waiting Well
Maintain Your Faith
While waiting, it’s easy to let your faith waver. However, these are the times when we need to hold on to our spiritual practices the most. Keep attending church, reading your Bible, and praying regularly. These practices help anchor your faith during uncertain times.
Avoid Unhealthy Comforts
In times of waiting, we might be tempted to return to old, unhealthy habits. Whether it's excessive drinking, overindulging in food, or escaping through endless social media scrolling, these behaviors only offer temporary relief. Instead, focus on healthy and constructive activities that bring you closer to God.
Trust in God's Timing
God's timing is often different from our own. It’s usually slower than we’d like, but it’s always perfect. Trust that God knows the best path for your life and that every delay has a purpose. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination.
Surround Yourself with Wise Counsel
Be careful who you listen to during periods of waiting. Friends and family might offer well-meaning advice, but ensure it aligns with God's word and His timing for your life. Seek out mentors and spiritual leaders who encourage you to stay patient and faithful.
Worship While You Wait
David’s life was filled with moments of worship, even in the midst of his trials. In Psalm 34, written during a particularly challenging time, David focuses on praising God.
"I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces." (Psalm 34:1-5, NLT)
Praising God during your wait can transform your perspective and strengthen your faith. It shifts your focus from your circumstances to God's goodness and faithfulness.
Further Reading
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