WAITING ON GOD

CHRISTIAN LIVING: The Only Way to Get to the Next Level

As our world becomes more crisis-laden and complex, it is important, more than ever, to know how to navigate through this maze we call the 21st Century. Since there are no guidebooks or ‘Dummie-Guides’ for this purpose, how can we go forward?

Furthermore, even for those who do have vision and direction for their lives, how do you transit from your present position to your divinely-designed ‘desired haven?’ How do you get to the ‘next level?’

The psalmist gives us an enormous clue in Psalm 62:5 (KJV)

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him/

The key phrase is ‘waiting on God.’

In our fast-paced, immature, instant gratification world, it is hard enough to imagine anyone waiting for anything, let alone for a God they cannot see or hear. As Scripture makes clear, not only is it possible to ‘wait on God,’ but you will be enormously enriched when you do.

Furthermore, when you stop long enough to consider, everything that you could ever need or want, can be found in God. Who else can give you life, liberty, love, health, happiness, holiness, friendship, family, fellowship, and many other blessed things. All these things, and more, come from God and God alone. Whatever you desire or aspire, wait on the only One who can give it to you.

In summary:

Those who wait on God will not fail to get to the next level.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. As you remain in His presence, God will download strength to you. Indeed, ‘Waiting on God’ makes you stronger.

How does this work? When a person ‘waits on God,’ they are no longer focusing on people, circumstances, or self, all of which are part of the problem. By focusing their attention on the LORD, they are fixed on the One, indeed the Only One, who is the solution for every situation.

Furthermore, as a result of the waiting process, God not only guides, He also provides. Think of ‘waiting on God’ as a young military volunteer going to the Army Headquarters, personally meeting the Commander and Chief. There he receives his commission, uniform, training, and deployment. Representing the highest authority, the commissioned recruit goes out and wins victories in his leader’s name.

Who should wait on God? Those who are seeking salvation, direction, provision, healing, strength, answers to desperate situations, an overcomer’s anointing, or any other situation that requires you to get close to God.

Personal Testimony: When I was 21, I responded to an altar call and gave myself to serving God overseas. Surprise: I did not have a clue how to proceed. As it turned out, I bought a $4 audio cassette by Joy Dawson called ‘Waiting on God.’ Dawson is a Biblical practitioner and immensely practical. I listened to the tape a dozen times, followed through with the simple steps outlined, and within a few months, God opened the door and provided for me to travel to the Middle East. The rest, as they say, is history.

How to wait on God? James 4:8 says ‘Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.’ First step is to approach God, knowing He will approach you in return. This is done through prayer, praise, singing (Psalm 100:2 tells us to come before his presence with singing - that is the Biblical protocol to approaching God), fasting, Bible reading, etc. Anointed, quality Christian music can help enormously, but the main thing is draw near. Make sure you minimise or eliminate distractions. This is God’s time, so be jealous for it.

The second step is Focus: Meditate on Scripture, either on the character of God, works of God, or promises of God. Some of these include:

A.     Promise of Good things Delivered: Psalm 84:11

B.      All Your Needs, Temporal and Spiritual, Will be Met: Matthew 6:33;

C.      Life and Good Health Through the Word: Proverbs 4:22;

D.     How to Be ‘Care-Free:’ I Peter 5:7;

E.      How to have ‘Perfect Peace:’ Isaiah 26:3

F.       How to have ‘Everlasting Strength:’ Isaiah 26:4

G.     How to Get Answers to Prayer: John 15:7;

The Third Step - Listen: God is always speaking (Hebrews 1:1-2), yet it is when you are in the undisturbed environment of ‘waiting on God’ that you will be able to hear His voice. As you wait, ‘extend your antenna’ and begin to listen for God’s voice. You have the guarantee of His Word that He will speak (John 10:4; 18:37) so listen carefully

The Fourth Step - Obedience: If God’s voice gives you a command to obey, then do so promptly. In other cases, you simply have to ‘wait’ for God to open the promised door. Wait actively, with praise, thanksgiving, and joy, but make sure you don’t bang the door open. God will do it in the time and place that is right for you.

Isaiah 64:4 (KJV) For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Yes, God has prepared great things for all of s, yet only those who ‘wait on Him’ will perceive and receive. Don’t settle for the mundane, predictable, or safe - practice the recovered art of ‘waiting on God,’ and you see that life’s great adventure is only beginning.