Thoughts for Life: The Discipline of Waiting

David Roper tells us, "Waiting in hard. We wait in grocery lines, in traffic, in the doctor's office.

We twiddle our thumbs, stifle our yawns, and fret inwardly in frustration.

On another level, we wait for a letter that doesn't come, for a prodigal child to return, or for a spouse to change.

We wait for a child we can hold in our arms. We wait for our heart's desire.

In Psalm 40 David says, "I waited patiently for the LORD."

The original language here suggests that David 'waited and waited and waited; for God to answer his prayer.

Yet as he looks back at this time of delay, he praises God.

As a result, David says, God "put a new song...a hymn of praise' in his heart Ps. 40:3 NIV.

'What a chapter can be written of God's delays! said F.B. Meyer. 'It is the mystery of educating human spirits to the finest temper of what they are capable.'

Through the discipline of waiting, we can develop the quieter virtues—submission, humility, patience, joyful endurance, persistence in well-doing—virtues that take the longest to learn. (Jean's bold)

What do we do when God seems to withhold our heart's desire?

He is able to help us to love and trust Him enough to accept the delay with joy and to see it as an opportunity to develop these virtues—and to praise Him. — David Roper

"Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter; I am the clay'

Mold me and make me after Thy will,,

While I am waiting, yielded and still. — Pollard

Waiting for God is never a waste of time."

Our Daily Bread

1/26/14

Go to Pastor Benny Hinn’s urgent video message and email...
Pastor Benny Hinn wants to pray for your needs!

Let’s pray:

Father, When it's time to wait on You, and Your plan for our lives, may we concentrate on Your Word, which helps us understand that we grow in the qualities mentioned above.

Our natural tendency is to want something NOW, but as You see the big picture, we'll begin trusting in Your wisdom, as to what will be the best for us.

Help us look into the future with Your vision, and to see that what You'll be causing to happen will benefit us, and also bring You glory and honor.

The truth is, we really don't know what should happen, how, and when. May our outlook be one of trust, as You guide us through each day 'til then.

In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 1 Sam. 12:16 "Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes."

Today’s quote: Max Lucado – “God’s sovereignty doesn’t negate our responsibility. Just the opposite. It empowers it. Trust God to do what you can’t. Obey God and do what you can! You’ll get through this.” From You’ll Get Through This Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at OnePlace.com

Tom Toya – “When we put our Lord first, we find all the other legitimate desires we had will be met in His way and in His time. He loves us, but for us to truly experience His love, we must be in right relationship with Him. God doesn't ask for us to be perfect, He just asks for us to place Him on the throne of our hearts. Let God be your Master and Provider. He will see you through.”

Kim Wells "God in his infinite wisdom knows exactly the right time to answer our prayers. He knows by answering our prayers before our faith is completely tested, or He has changed the life of a loved one, or grown our character, would diminish the power of what He wants to do in our lives.

Some thoughts today: There is ONE CHURCH, many locations!

- Pray for your leadership team to prayerfully develop ministry teams that address the needs in your particular church Body.

- What will it take to extend the vision of your church? Are you ready to pitch in and offer your talents, time, and efforts?

11th- Tuesday’s post: #61 Personal Intercession C. Peter Wagner

13th- Thursday's post: #62 1-3 Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

15th- Saturday's post: The Present/Listening Dogs Julie Ackerman Link

16th- Sunday's post: Mournful to Hopeful Max Lucado

A popular post: Jesus Honors You Max Lucado - "It makes
me smile to think there’s a grinning thief walking the golden
streets of heaven who knows more about grace than a
thousand theologians."