Are you in the process of making a decision but don't know what to do? The right timing in a situation can be critical to its outcome, especially in the life of the believer. Dr. Stanley helps us discover how waiting on the Lord leads to His very best for our lives.
Sermon Outline
When God’s answer or intervention seems delayed, it’s hard to exercise patience. But that’s often an essential part of the process. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley shares why and how waiting on the Lord encourages us to let God work as only He can.
Key Passage: Psalm 27:14
Supporting Passages: Psalm 32:8; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 62:5; Psalm 130:5
Right timing is critical for just about everything we do, whether in our relationship with the Lord or with others. So, what does it mean to wait for God?
► “God is willing to give us very specific, clear direction for any decision we’re trying to make.”
Waiting upon the Lord (Ps. 27:14) is …
Pausing for further instructions.
Active stillness.
Purposeful and expectant.
Why is it wise to wait upon God? He is …
Giving us clear direction (Ps. 32:8; Prov. 3:6).
This is a promise. We know that His guidance will be coming, so we should wait until we have it. Since God works everything according to His good plan for us, we can trust Him even in delays.
Getting us in step with His timing.
His timetable may look slow to us, but it is always perfect.
He may be getting other people involved.
Remember: Walking in concert with God brings peace, not confusion.
Preparing us to receive His answer.
He may need to mature us so we’re ready for His blessing.
Using it to strengthen our faith.
When we ask and have assurance He has heard us, we grow in faith.
Using it to get our attention and sift us.
He may want to bring an unrecognized sin to our attention.
► “As we wait upon the Lord, we begin to see the evidence of Him at work in our life in ways we never saw before.”
We must wait upon the Lord …
Actively. Be engaged in God’s work.
Patiently. Endure the situation until God intervenes (Ps. 37:7).
Faithfully. Trust in the Lord.
Silently. Be quiet and listen (Ps. 62:5).
Expectantly. Sharpen spiritual discernment.
Steadfastly. Focus on God and stand firm.
Courageously. Be calm and stable in the midst of fear.
Determinedly. Read God’s Word, believing and relying on what He says (Ps. 130:5).
When we fail to wait, we…
Get out of God’s will.
Delay His planned blessings.
Invite pain and suffering.
Hurt other people.
Pay a steep cost.
Experience confusion.
Miss opportunities.
After Watching
During trying times, what could you pray for to keep yourself in step with God?
What does active waiting look like for you personally? Take a few moments to identify your strengths and consider how you can develop them further.
