Teach Me, Lord, to Wait

E. M. Bounds said, "I think Christians fail so often to get answers to their prayers because they do not wait long enough on God." Often the most difficult period of waiting for God to answer our prayer is the time beyond prayer--the time of patient waiting. I can wait in prayer trusting God to help, but if I truly wait on Him beyond prayer--

1. I remember that God's work is by faith (I Tim. 1:4), and I keep working (trusting) even when it appears my faith is accomplishing nothing.

2. I don't look at apparent results because God's ways are not my ways. "Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come" (Hab. 2:3). Though the answer tarries, wait for Him. The answer will come. 

"Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?" the king of Israel asked in disgust. The Arameans had cut off the Israelites' food and water and they were hungry. 

Elisha had probably encouraged the king not to surrender but to wait for the Lord's deliverance. The king had had enough of waiting. What was his solution? Kill Elisha. Often, when we feel we can't wait any longer for the Lord to answer our prayer, our solutions are destructive also.

Elisha promised God would deliver in just one more day. The king's messenger scoffed at Elisha's assurance so he was not permitted to eat of the abundance God provided.

Those words "Why wait for the Lord any longer?" often seem to be the most appropriate just before God's gracious answer. (Read 2 Kings 6:24-7:20 for the entire story.)

"Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Ps. 37:34).

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me that You delight in my waiting. Help me to delight in You enough to wait.