It is right to pray for a sign
of God’s goodness. As David found, it may be just what we need. But let us not
overlook the signs he has already given, the support of family and friends, the
fellowship of other Christians, the light of each new day. And we can be
confident that he knows our situation no matter how desperate it becomes,
and he cares. (Psalm
86:17, NIV Application Notes).
Q: God, how long must I wait for what I want?
A: “Be still, and know that I am God . . . .”
(Psalm 46:10, KJV).
Q: God, You know I'm not getting any younger, I
didn't think I'd be waiting this long?!
A: Since before time began no one has ever
imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like Me who works for those who wait
for Me. (Isaiah 64:4, MSG).
Q: Surely I'm not asking You to do something that's outrageous and out of your scope of work,
so what's the holdup?
A: But I'm not finished. I'm waiting around to
be gracious to you. I'm gathering strength to show mercy to you. I take the
time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for Me are the
lucky ones. (Isaiah 30:18, MSG).
Q: Okay, but my friends and relatives got
what they wanted years ago, don't You think it’s about time for me to
get what I want?
A: I know what I'm doing. I have it all
planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the
future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me,
I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you
get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make
sure you won't be disappointed. (Jeremiah 29:11-13, MSG).
Q: Well, why does it appear that my
enemies have everything they want?
A: Be still before ME and wait patiently
for Me; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out
their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7, NIV).
Q: I know I am not perfect.
I also know that I seek You daily, I read Your Word, I
study Your Word, I practice Your Word, I'm a vehicle of compassion, and I pray for others.
Don't I qualify to receive what I desire?! Uuuuugh . . . I'm tired of waiting!
A: Why would you ever complain, . . . saying,
"God has lost track of me. God doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been
listening?
I don't come and go. I last. I am the
Creator of all you can see or imagine. I don't get tired out, I don't pause to
catch My breath. And I know everything, inside and out. I energize
those who get tired, give fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people
tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those
who wait upon Me get fresh strength. They spread their wings and
soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. (Isaiah 40:27-31, MSG).
God, there are
moments when I get so anxious about my future, I start grumbling. Considering
my résumé and credentials, I believe I should've already achieved certain milestones. I
get so caught up in thoughts of where I think I should be, I don't give my
entire
attention to what You're doing right now. (Matthew 6:34, MSG).
Forgive me, O Lord,
for being impatient and prideful. Please accept my sincere apology for not always respecting
Your authority over my life. I know I shouldn't get worked up about what may or
may not happen tomorrow" and I am truly sorry for not honoring Your
timeline. (Matthew 6:34, MSG). When I'm frustrated and life is challenging for me,
please remind me to go off by myself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't
ask questions: Wait for hope to appear." (Lamentations 3:28-29, MSG).
God, I appreciate our conversations.
Like Abraham, I can approach You and we can engage in a Q & A session.
Life is good because
You show me "that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding
that" Your answers
come from Your perspective. (Genesis 18:33, NIV Application Notes).
LORD, I am serious
about finding You and I really do want it more than anything else! (Jeremiah 29:13, MSG). While I
wait for my win, strengthen my faith and remind me that life is abundant because You
reward those who earnestly seek You. (Hebrews 11:6, NIV). While I wait for my
win, let me acknowledge all of what You are doing for me right now, and let me
be grateful.
While I wait for my
win, I wait for YOU, my whole being waits, and in Your Word I
put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV).
In the name of
Jesus Christ...AMEN.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Calm down & stop fidgeting! God heard
you at Question 1 and replied.
God is working; remain confident & expect to
be wowed by God!
That is why waiting does not diminish
us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the
waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait,
the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment
we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. (Romans 8:24-26, MSG).
