God, What Are You Waiting For?

Isaiah 40:31 AMP

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Someplace between your prayer and answered prayer is a season of waiting.

Many times when I get impatient in a season of waiting, I find myself crying out to God asking Him what He's waiting for.

Is it soup yet? Are we there yet? Hello, earth to heaven! I'm always wondering if I'm waiting on God -or- is God waiting on me? The truth is, probably a little of both.

But a God-ordained season of waiting will always give birth to a season of blessing IF we will learn how to wait on the Lord. We should wait expectantly, knowing God always makes good on His promises. This should bring us into great joy while we are still waiting.

I love the biblical story of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapters 1-2. Hannah didn't know this at the time, but according to Ephesians 1:4, God chose her/us and called her/us before the creation of the world. Before the creation of the world, God chose Hannah to give birth to Samuel, the prophet and judge over Israel. Unbeknownst to Hannah, God already had a plan for her to give birth to one of the greatest prophets of the Lord.

Hannah desired to have a baby, but God actually closed her womb. Her husband had two wives and the other wife provoked Hannah in order to irritate her over her inability to give birth. This barren condition was a great public shame at that time. Hannah's desire grew and grew until she became pregnant with hope. She was so full of hope she began to worship God even though her condition hadn't changed. She promised God that if He allowed her to have a child, she would dedicate the child to the Lord's work.

Then God allowed her to become became pregnant. The God who closed her womb, opened her womb. God opens doors and He closes doors. He has His perfect timing.

Take a look at this biblical promise.

Mark 11:24 AMP - For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.

Whenever you ask God for something, believe that you have received it. If you can get to a place with confident trust in your heart that what you received by faith is yours, you'll enter into praise and worship, thanking God for what He has done BEFORE He delivers. This is how we should wait.

I think it's normal to get a bit impatient sometimes, just don't stay there. If you do, you'll find yourself getting bitter not better. Your prayers will be bitter and full of complaining. This will actually choke off the fruitfulness of the Word. (Mark 4:18)

God has a wonderful promise for those who learn to wait on Him, His way.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Like God had for Hannah, God has a plan for you and it's to prosper you. (Jeremiah 29:11) He will use your waiting season to advance you.

Pray this prayer with me:

"Lord, in our season of waiting, let us learn trusting obedience as even Jesus did in Hebrews 5:8. I know you already have a plan in place to prosper me. I know you promise whatever things I ask for in prayer, according to your will (biblical promises), they will be given to me. Father, by faith I will wait on you with full expectation, I will gain new strength and my power will be renewed through you. I thank you for what you have already done for me, and I trust you completely for your how and when. I know with all certainty God that you love me and have not forgotten me. I pray this in name of Jesus. Amen!"

If you are waiting, focus on reaching a place of praise and joyfulness.Then get ready to have the baby!

Fear not. Believe only. Get ready.

Gerald