THE GRACIOUS WAIT

One thing is certain; waiting is not part of our nature. In this generation, waiting seems to be unacceptable. Amazon Prime promises packages to be delivered in two days but that’s not fast enough for consumers, so Amazon is developing technology with drones to air-lift a package and drop it off at the customer’s door the same day it’s ordered. Something tells me even that service will exasperate those who can’t wait.

One of the most difficult lessons a Christ-follower can learn is to wait. God often delays answers when we pray. If you have been knocking at the door of heaven and have yet to receive a reply there are reasons God is keeping you waiting. Before I suggest those reasons, be encouraged with this passage from God’s Word in Isaiah 30:18; “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” This is a profound insight into the heart of God. He is the God who waits. You should be very thankful for the wait!
We are told in the context of this passage of Scripture that God is gracious, giving you time to repent. This is the foremost reason for his waiting to give you time, like the prodigal, to respond to his mercy. “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Romans 2:4 NLT). How often do you run to God in prayer asking him to fix your situation when in reality he is waiting to see if you will ask for his forgiveness and fix you?
So you’ve found his mercy, then what could be the delay? God has you waiting to demonstrate his power and sovereignty, which he has the right to provide or to hold back. You might also be kept waiting in order that your requests may become more passionate. The Lord knows your heart and uses the delay to increase the necessity to be before him earnestly awaiting and valuing his mercy even more.
What can be counted on during your wait for his response? The response, when it comes, will more fully allow you to appreciate how rich and satisfying his grace is for your needs. Be assured of this, that all your prayers are recorded in heaven and even if you get no immediate response you can be certain they are not forgotten. While God restrains himself you a benefiting by learning to be patient and building your hope and developing a steadfast faith that allows you to wait calmly until the Lord fulfills what he has promised. Your waiting will become your blessing. So when God is silent don’t sink into despair but earnestly continue to make your request known to him (Luke 18:2-8).

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