As we approach the first anniversary of the pandemic, I freely acknowledge the challenges it has presented resulted in many adjustments. Yet, to be balanced, I am equally recognizing the lessons presented and taught through these trying times.
One unintended blessing of this pandemic has been an appreciation of decelerating from the hectic fast-paced daily routine. The reduction of congestion in the streets, reduced crowds and gatherings for examples has resulted in less noise and clamor.
Admittedly there are times we want to rush things, especially when we believe God is not responding as fast as we desire. We tend to want to hasten the process. The concept of time is really not even an issue for God, for a thousand years is but a day to Him.
However, instead of focusing on the time, I encourage you to wait for God’s timing! He is putting things in His order.
As a self-professed Type A personality, there are times I attempt to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. In my quest to get it all accomplished, if I am not focused, I could easily forget to complete a needed task. “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!” attributed to author Lewis Carroll packs plenty of truth.
I now heed the advice I offered to my children as they were growing, “Be lazy; do it right the first time!” I establish realistic goals and avoid impractical yet often self-imposed deadlines. We live in a time where most things such as food or accessing information can be obtained instantly.
Waiting on God is an attitude that reflects confidence, dependence and obedience to Him. Waiting on God to act is really a spiritual discipline. Like physical exercise, our endurance increases with practice and repetition. Psalm 31:24 declares, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”
Another lesson that has been invaluable was an understanding and deep appreciation of what it means to simply wait upon the Lord. We display our reliance upon our Father, who truly knows best, by waiting patiently and avoiding worry while seeking him in prayer.
If we are not careful, we can easily overlook life’s beauty rushing to satisfy our task-oriented agendas. Sometimes we need to slow down and appreciate the journey as God navigates. Whether it’s the splendid spectacle of foliage emerging in springtime or its vibrant changing of colors in autumn, we can miss the wonders of the moments.
In life, one day the child you once held in your arms will take your arm to assist you. Appreciate all the times and experiences because life is a vapor.
Waiting does not imply a passive attitude but should actively engage your faith and confidence that God has all things under control. Psalms 33:20 reminds us to “Put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.” Our helplessness often becomes most evident during times of adversity, yet while we may be weak, He remains strong. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
As much as we may detest having to wait or being detained, there is a blessing when we move with God. Developing the skills of patience and waiting can prepare you for greater blessings, experiences and opportunities. We may not see the value or purpose of waiting at that moment in time.
Consider the possibilities:
Waiting Brings Strength
Isaiah 40:31 shares a message to those who wait upon the Lord. The prophet Isaiah observed that “even the youth will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Our faith is strengthened when we remember the same God who delivered us back then--is able to deliver us right now!
Waiting Brings Serenity
Psalms 37:7 commands those who trust to “be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” We are all subject to troubles, testing and trials. Oftentimes our enemies--sickness, financial burdens, family drama--want us to forget the power of God. I recommend you assume the posture of waiting because your breakthrough is on its way.
Waiting Brings Stability
Psalms 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” Trust God’s heart when you cannot trace God’s hand. A friend recently shared, “Deep inside God has placed a Spirit that refuses to be broken and we call it HOPE!
Waiting Bring Submission
Psalms 27:14 encourages us to “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Our desire should not be for our will but His will to be fulfilled in our lives. Waiting provides the channel of needed grace to use the resources of our time, talent and treasury wisely.
Dear Lord,
I continue to stand in awe of Your might and power. As your child, please keep me under Your constant protective care and charge. I am grateful that there is absolutely nothing new or foreign to You. When I can't see Your hands, help me to trust Your voice. When life’s troubles seek to discourage, distract or destroy me; I submit all to You and will patiently wait until my change comes. When this world would try to convince me to doubt You, help me to trust You all the more and keep the faith. It shall be so!
— The Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II serves as the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, chaplain for the Youngstown Police Department and local coordinator for the African American Male Wellness Walk of the Mahoning Valley. He resides in Youngstown with Dorothy, his partner in marriage & ministry. They share the love and joy of 6 children and 7 grandchildren.
— All biblical citations are New Living Translation unless noted otherwise
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February 07, 2021 at 06:00PM
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KEEPING THE FAITH | Learning the importance of waiting on God - Mahoning Matters
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