By Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).
“Wait!” That is not an easy thing for most of us to do. We have to wait in doctors’ offices. We have to wait at stop lights when we are in a hurry. Most of us would probably say waiting is not our cup of tea, so to speak.
We live in somewhat of a “microwave” generation. We want things to happen- and we want things to happen NOW! This can also carry over into our prayer lives. However, God does not always answer prayer in a split second. God does not always answer in the way we expect either.
As our Heavenly Father, God has free rein to answer in His way. God can answer “Yes.” God can answer “No.” And- are you ready for this? God can answer “Wait a while.” The “wait a while” can really get to us. In the waiting, there are things we must consider.
God is all knowing. He knows what lies ahead. He knows what is best for each of us now and in the future. We must consider that He always has our best interest in mind. Jeremiah 29:11- a popular verse- says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God is always on time. He is never too late. He is never too early. His timing is absolutely perfect. If we know this, why should we ever want to hurry things along?
Finally, look at the verse at the top of the page. “Wait on the Lord and He shall strengthen your heart.” There is something to be gained in the waiting. God uses the waiting time to make us stronger. That is a real blessing to us.
So, when God says, “Wait” let’s put the microwaves away. What seems slow cooking to us will yield a much better product than our impatience could ever give us.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 