Waiting on GOD Even When It Proves Difficult!

Perhaps one of the most difficult things we have to do is to wait on an answer from GOD. We are so accustomed to having everything the moment we need it, waiting (patience) is nearly impossible. However, we need to learn to just relax, pray and wait.

Our “get ‘er done!” mindset tends to create problems for us. It increases our stress levels. It creates room for mistakes and misjudgments. It can even lead us to advance forward prematurely in life’s decisions and endeavors resulting in less than desirable outcomes.

Let me show you what I mean. Consider this passage: “When the men of Israel saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.’ And Saul offered up the burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:6-8).

What we have is a perfect example of an individual moving forward prematurely. Saul and his men considered their situation critical. They were quaking with fear. Samuel the prophet had instructed Saul to wait for him before any action was taken. But their fear created a lack of patience which eventually overcame them and Saul acted in disobedience to the prophet. As the story goes, Saul’s actions resulted in the kingdom eventually being stripped from him and his family.

As 2016 approaches, I want to encourage you to become a person of prayer and patience. Give your fears over to the LORD and relax. Allow GOD to direct your paths and decisions, even when He seems slow in responding. Learn to wait for GOD’s direction will always come at just the right time.