How to wait on God to answer a prayer
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Prayer is a powerful tool in our spiritual lives; when we pray, we expect answers. However, waiting for God to answer our prayers can test our faith. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In John Waller’s song “I’m Waiting”, he sings about his faith in waiting for God to answer his prayers. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to wait on God for an answer to our prayers and what an answer from God looks like. We will learn to trust in God’s timing through biblical references and scripture and understand that His ways are not ours.
Waiting on God’s answer to prayer is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows us to trust in God’s timing. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” This verse reminds us that God’s timing is perfect and that He has a plan for our lives beyond our understanding. By waiting on God’s answer, we demonstrate our faith in His timing and allow Him to work in His way and in His own time.
Secondly, waiting on God’s answer helps us to grow in our faith. James 1:3-4 says, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” By waiting on God, we are tested in our faith, and as a result, our faith grows stronger.
Finally, waiting on God’s answer allows us to align our will with His will. In Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When we wait on God, we put aside our desires and seek His will for our lives. This leads to a deeper relationship with God and a greater sense of peace and fulfilment.
What Does it Mean to Wait on God?
Imagine that you’re a child and you’ve given your toys to your parent to take care of while you go play outside. As you run and play, you have full trust and confidence in your parent that they will take care of your toys and return them to you in the same condition, or even better, than when you gave them to them. This is similar to waiting on God. When we pray and hand our concerns and worries over to God, we trust His plan and timing for our lives. Just as you trusted your parent to take care of your toys, we trust God to take care of our lives and to bring about His will in His perfect time.
Waiting on God means having faith in His sovereignty and plan for our lives. It means putting aside our desires and timelines and trusting that God’s timing is perfect. It requires patience and perseverance, but the reward is a deeper relationship with God and the peace and fulfilment that comes from living in alignment with His will. Just as you trusted your parent to bring your toys back to you in good condition, we trust God to bring about His will for our lives in the best possible way.
Waiting on God is a common theme throughout the Bible and is exemplified by many characters in scripture. For example, Abraham waited for God to fulfil His promise of a son (Genesis 15:2-6), Joseph waited for God to bring him out of prison and to the position of power he was promised (Genesis 41:14-45:9), and David waited for God to establish him as king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5).
The difference between waiting on God and waiting for God is that waiting on God involves actively trusting in His timing and His plan while waiting for God may involve a passive attitude or a sense of impatience. When we wait on God, we put our faith in His timing and His plan for our lives, while when we wait for God, we may be more focused on our own desires and timeline.
The benefits of waiting on God are many. Firstly, waiting on God allows us to align our will with His will. Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we wait on God, we put aside our desires and seek His will for our lives, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Additionally, waiting on God helps us to grow in our faith and to trust in His timing. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Waiting on God requires faith and perseverance, and as a result, our faith grows stronger.
Finally, waiting on God allows us to experience His perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” God’s omniscience means that He knows the perfect timing for all things, and when we wait for Him, we can trust His timing is perfect.
Why is it Important to Wait for God’s Answer?
The story of Saul in the Bible is a powerful illustration of the importance of waiting for God’s answer. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul was about to lead his army into battle against the Philistines. However, Samuel, the prophet of God, had not yet arrived to offer a sacrifice and seek guidance from the Lord. Despite being pressed for time, Saul took it upon himself to provide the sacrifice, resulting in his rejection as king of Israel.
This story highlights the importance of waiting for God’s answer before making decisions or taking any actions. It shows that even when facing difficult situations like Saul was with the impending battle, it’s crucial to wait for God’s guidance and direction. When we act impulsively without seeking God’s will, we risk making mistakes and missing out on His best plans.
Waiting for God’s answer requires patience and trust in His timing. It means putting aside our desires and timelines and seeking His will for our lives. Isaiah 30:18 says, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise to show you compassion, for the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.” When we wait for God’s answer, we show our faith in His sovereignty and perfect timing.
Waiting on God has many benefits, including teaching us to trust in His timing, building our faith through waiting, and growing in intimacy with God. In the story of Saul, when the prophet Samuel found him offering the sacrifice, he said, “You have done a foolish thing; you have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” (1 Samuel 13:13). These words illustrate the consequences of not waiting on God and acting impulsively.
Waiting on God teaches us to trust in His timing, even when faced with difficult situations. It requires patience and perseverance and strengthens our faith in His sovereignty and plan for our lives. When we wait for God’s answer, we express our trust in His perfect timing and His ability to bring about His will for our lives.
Moreover, waiting on God also builds our faith through waiting. It requires us to have faith in His plan for our lives, even when we don’t understand it or when it seems like nothing is happening. Habakkuk 2:3, it says, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” When we wait on God, we grow in faith and trust in His ability to bring about His will in His perfect time.
Finally, waiting on God also grows our intimacy with Him. When we seek His guidance and direction, we draw closer to Him and deepen our relationship. We are reminded of His sovereignty and love for us as we wait on God. We can experience the peace and fulfilment that comes from living in alignment with His will.
How to Wait on God
Waiting on God requires a deep commitment to following His will. As the Bible says in Exodus 33:15, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” This verse illustrates the importance of waiting on God and seeking His guidance in our decisions and actions.
Being still before God
Being still before God is a crucial aspect of waiting on Him. This means taking time to be quiet and still, to focus on His presence, and to listen for His voice. In this stillness, we can hear His guidance and direction for our lives and grow in understanding His will for us.
Practising mindfulness
Practising mindfulness can also help you wait on God. This means being present at the moment and focusing on our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. By being mindful, we can become more aware of God’s presence and guidance in our lives.
Reading and studying the Bible
Reading and studying the Bible is another helpful way to wait on God. As we read and study His Word, we can gain a deeper understanding of His will for our lives and learn to trust in His guidance and direction.
Spending time in prayer
Spending time in prayer is also essential to waiting on God. We seek His guidance and direction when we pray and express our trust in Him. Through prayer, we can grow in our relationship with God and become more aware of His presence.
Fostering a heart of gratitude
Fostering a heart of gratitude is also important when waiting on God. When we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we are reminded of all the blessings that God has given us, and we can trust in His goodness and love for us. This can help us wait on God with confidence and peace, knowing He is always working for our good.
Overcoming Obstacles to Waiting on God
Waiting on God can be challenging, especially when others progress without us. The story of Hannah in the Bible provides an excellent example of this struggle. Hannah was barren, and her rival Peninah taunted her about her inability to have children. Hannah waited on God despite her difficulties, trusting in her will for her life.
Fear and doubt can be significant obstacles when waiting on God. It can be easy to question God’s timing and wonder if He has forgotten us. However, the Bible reminds us that God is always with us and has a plan for our lives. In Joshua 1:9, God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We can overcome fear and doubt by trusting in God’s presence and His plan as we wait on Him.
Handling disappointment and frustration can also be a challenge when waiting on God. It can be discouraging to see the wicked prosper while the righteous wait. However, the Bible reminds us that God is always in control and that His timing is perfect. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” By waiting patiently on God, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good, even when things seem difficult.
Staying encouraged and hopeful is crucial when waiting on God. It can be easy to lose heart when we face obstacles and challenges. However, the Bible reminds us that God is always with us and will never leave us. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” By staying focused on God’s promises and faithfulness, we can stay encouraged and hopeful as we wait for Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, waiting on God is a powerful and transformative experience. We learn to trust God’s timing and plan our lives through waiting. By practising mindfulness, reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and fostering a heart of gratitude, we can deepen our relationship with God and find peace and joy in the wait.
The power of waiting on God is evident in the lives of many biblical characters. For example, Abraham waited on God’s promise of a son and was blessed with Isaac. Hannah waited on God’s promise of a child and was blessed with Samuel. We can experience His blessings and power by waiting on God.
The peace and joy that come from waiting on God’s answer are evident in the Bible. Isaiah 26:3, it says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” When we wait on God, we find peace in His presence and joy in His promises.
Finally, we are encouraged to continue waiting on God, no matter our obstacles. Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” By seeking God and waiting on Him, we can find the comfort and encouragement we need to continue on our journey, knowing that He is always with us and His timing is perfect.
FAQs
What is the difference between waiting on God and waiting for God?
The difference between waiting on God and waiting for God is in attitude and approach. Waiting on God implies an active posture of trust and obedience while waiting for God implies a passive posture of expectation. Waiting on God means surrendering our control and trusting in God’s plan and timing while waiting for God means that we are simply waiting for God to act.
Is it okay to be impatient while waiting for God’s prayer answer?
Impatience is a natural human emotion, but it can hinder our ability to wait on God. In James 1:19, it says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” We may become frustrated or lose faith in God’s plan when impatient. It is important to trust in God’s timing and surrender our control to Him.
How can I stay encouraged while waiting on God?
To stay encouraged while waiting on God, it is important to focus on His promises and trust in His plan. Isaiah 40:31 it says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can also help you stay encouraged while waiting on God.
What can I do to deepen my relationship with God while I wait for his answer?
You can pray and read the Bible to deepen your relationship with God while you wait for His answer. Practising mindfulness and gratitude can also help you focus on God’s presence and blessings. Surrendering control to God and trusting in His plan can also deepen your relationship with Him.
How does waiting on God help me grow in faith?
Waiting on God helps us grow in faith because it requires us to surrender control and trust in God’s plan and timing. When we wait on God, we learn to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when we don’t understand His plan. By waiting on God, we also deepen our relationship with Him and experience His blessings in our lives, which can strengthen our faith. An example of this can be seen in the story of Abraham, who waited on God’s promise of a son and was blessed with Isaac. Abraham’s faith grew as he trusted God’s plan and waited for His answer.
Worksheet
Here are some prayer points for waiting on God, along with relevant bible verses:
- Pray for strength and perseverance in the waiting process. Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
- Ask for patience in the waiting process. Bible verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Pray for trust in God’s timing and plan. Bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Ask for peace and joy in the waiting process. Bible verse: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
- Pray for clarity and guidance in understanding God’s plan for you. Bible verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- Ask for the grace to keep waiting until God answers your prayer. Bible verse: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
- Pray for encouragement and support from fellow believers in the waiting process. Bible verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
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