We are living in a fast-paced environment. People are always rushing and they justify their actions by saying that time is of the essence. While it is true that we should never waste our valuable time, we need to learn to wait on the Lord. Many things are sacrificed when we do things hurriedly to the point that we miss the best. This is the reason why the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah said, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31). Waiting is one of the most difficult things to do in life, hence the Bible has to deal with this issue multiple times. God does not want us to miss his blessings.
To wait on the Lord is not to sit idly by – that whatever will be, will be. Rather, we need to go up to the level of the spirit and see things at the perspective of God. The apostle Paul appropriately said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). Our faith needs to be mounted up on wings like eagles; it is from glory to glory. Just like an eagle perched on the tallest tree in the mountain, we shall see things clearly. We will have a better perspective of what is going on and will not be terrified.
Eagles are known to fly high and can fly above the storms. Although they initially flap their wings, they use thermal (the rising current of warm air) to gain altitude and eventually soar higher and glide longer. And as they glide, they are being watchful. They watch for coming dangers and look for prey. Because they do not flap their wings but glide, they do not get tired as they wait patiently. King David, in his Psalm, said, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
As we waiting on the Lord, there are four things that we should avoid. Firstly, do not fret. Many are visibly anxious and worried while they are waiting. This situation becomes more intense when they see that they are being left behind. This is what they call the “fear of missing out” (FOMO). But King David gave this excellent admonition, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:7-8).
Secondly, do not take matters into your own hands. There are those who are so impatient that they cannot wait on the Lord. They believe that unless they take action now, they will die or suffer. However, there is a set time for everything and unless we wait on the Lord, we may miss the blessing. This was the experience of King Saul. After he was anointed king of Israel, he was told by Samuel to go down to Gilgal to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but he must wait for seven days. However, because Samuel did not show up at the time King Saul expected him to come and because of the vast armies of the enemy that were closing in, King Saul felt compelled to offer the sacrifices himself. He justified his action saying, “I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Sam.13:12). For this action, he missed God’s blessing of an enduring kingdom.
Thirdly, do not wait in hopelessness. When you present your request to God, wait in expectation. Always believe that God is able to respond to your petition in his own perfect time. Have the same attitude as King David who said, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3).
Lastly, do not limit your potential. Many do not want to go through the right process since it takes some time. Failure to go through the process limits one’s potential. While it might take some time to go through the right process, you will certainly be rewarded in due time. Be convinced that you will have time to enjoy your blessings. King David said, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:13-14).
Fiends, let us up our level of faith that we may soar like eagles and that we may see things in God’s perspective. It is only then that we will positioned to be blessed. Therefore, be unmoved by circumstances in life that require you to wait. Patiently wait on the Lord. Hallelujah!
