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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
We are going to look at the other definition of waiting: serving or being in attendance. An adjective. How is God calling you to “waiting” in action while you are in the waiting? I know this may sound funny, but waiting doesn’t mean you need to be stuck! God calls you to action as a follower of Jesus.
I have a list of reminders I call God’s to do list when I feel stuck. Often this is in the waiting. I am seeking his wisdom or discernment, or I find myself waiting for other things we have already discussed. My reminders include: love, work as to him, be in his Word, pray, reflect and observe, repent, and give gratitude. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a biblical list of how God calls us to action—not only in the waiting but in our everyday life as followers of Jesus Christ. In the waiting we are called to love!
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35).
Sometimes we are waiting because of conflict—here we are called to love those we are in turmoil with.
In the waiting we are called to work!
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).
If you are waiting for that new job, a promotion or the raise, fix your work on the Lord! In the waiting, be in the word and pray and praise!
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
In all circumstances, even in the waiting, we need to pray and rejoice! In the waiting God calls us to repent.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
God is calling you to action in the waiting. How are you loving others? Are you in God’s Word? Are you praying in the waiting? What do you need to repent of in the waiting? Maybe feelings that are contrary to what God is wanting you to feel.
Waiting doesn’t need to keep you stuck! You can still be active in the waiting. Pray God changes your heart to what he has for you in this season.