Session 1
Waiting is the hardest part
From Titus: An 8-Day Devotional
When you’re waiting for something, God’s perfect timing can often feel like a torture device or an empty phrase people resort to when they don’t know what else to say. Just because we know God has perfect timing doesn’t make it easier to wait on it.
So, what is God’s perfect timing, exactly? Paul, an early church leader, gives us a glimpse of it in Titus 1:1-3. Paul reminds us that God “does not lie.” Then he reminds readers that God’s promises have been set since “before the beginning of time.”
In times of waiting, it’s important to remind ourselves that the Lord’s plans for us have been set since “before the beginning of time.” God is not surprised at how long things are taking. And it’s not a mistake that things aren’t happening as quickly as we’d like. God’s plans are perfect, because He is perfect (Psalm 18:30).
God’s plans are perfect, because He is perfect.
Too often, we think we know what’s best, and if the Lord would just hurry up and do what we want, this would all be easier. But what if in our effort to rush through the meantime, we’re missing out on something greater than the thing we’re waiting for?
The greater our need for God’s intervention, the more passionately we tend to seek Him. God promises to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. He tells us not to fear because He upholds us with His righteous right hand (Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:10).
Waiting has its rewards. As we persevere through seasons of waiting, our faith becomes mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).
The best questions we can ask when we’re waiting are the ones that help us understand what God wants to show us in the meantime:
- Am I spending time listening to God and for God? Am I spending time with Him in His Word?
- What is the Lord teaching me during this phase of my life?
- What can I do to position myself to be ready for God to move?
Are you waiting on something? Let’s use this waiting time wisely while the Lord finishes His perfect work.
Reflect:
- Have you ever experienced a long season of waiting, maybe for a job, a child, a spouse? Are you in one of those seasons now?
- How would you describe who God is? What does today’s reading tell you about who God is?
- Given what you know about God’s character, what do you think He wants to show you during this in between period?