Hey there BCU Family!
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You know, the phrase “I can’t wait” is normally used when something good or exciting is about to happen. The get-together, the date, the long-anticipated vacation–we tack that phrase in anticipation of the goodness coming our way. And there is nothing wrong with that.
Well, mostly nothing wrong with it.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you are expecting something wonderful–like a a 7-day cruise taking off in July. Even though we’re in the month of March (at the time this was published), and you “can’t wait”, you rest assured about the trip because you know exactly when it’s coming, right? That kind of wait is exciting and not too hard.
On the other hand, there are times where we have asked God for something in faith believing that He is indeed able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Thus we leave the prayer room CONFIDENT that God heard us and will answer right away. The thing is, sometimes God has a way of having us to wait awhile before He answers us. So in between “He may not come when you want Him”, but “He’ll be there right on time”, is where the anticipatory “I can’t wait!” can turn into a frustrated Sigh!”I CAN’T wait!”
So now, in the meantime and in-between time, the enemy will bait you with a “random” thought around how LONG you have been waiting. If we entertain that thought for any amount of time, he will throw in more bait in the hopes of tackling you. Here are some examples:
- You really deserve_______________.
- You have been patient long enough.
- God must not want you to have it. You’ve been so good. That’s not fair.
- God must not love you like He loves_________. Why should you keep waiting on Him?
- Doing things the right way like God says takes too long. It’s already been _____ (days, months, years).
- Look at __________. They do not serve God like YOU do and they are blessed.
- Why would God make you wait this long? He knows you need______________________.
- If you do not act soon, you’ll miss out. Far too much time has passed already.
By this time, you’re all worked up in your mind and agitated in your spirit. Then the enemy sets up the “perfect situation” where your request suddenly is in front of you–all you have to do to get it is just disobey God, “a little”. Tell the lie, take the money, treat this one without love, cheat on the spouse–after all, you’ve prayed, been patient, things are not changing and it has been a long time. Once you take the bait, you may enjoy the spoils initially, but eventually you will discover that what you WENT outside of the will of God for, you have to STAY outside of His will to keep. Think about it, the enemy baits for keeps–that thief comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10), so why risk your blessings here and, if your are not careful, your eternal life with Christ?
From firsthand experience, it can be very difficult to wait on God. Sometimes it feel like everyone else gets to go ahead, or that God does not hear you or care about you. Let’s counter those thoughts with the assuring, soothing and always true Word of God.
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 (Isaiah 40:31).
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him (Psalm 62:5).
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord (Lamentations 3:26).
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it (Romans 8:25).
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
BCU Fam, when God has us waiting, it is for a reason–perhaps to develop the fruit of long-suffering, to help you when dealing with others, build your hope on Jesus, or so that God will get the ALL the glory out of the situation because of the miracle He’s performing on your behalf. Regardless of the reason, when it’s all done and said, we will be MORE like Jesus. And being like Him NOW, ensures our place in Heaven LATER, so with the help of the Lord, I CAN and will wait! Amen? Amen!
You know, from time to time, The Lord reminds me to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, are of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. If I stay focused on the all of those things, I’m less inclined to get/stay frustrated while waiting. What about you? How do you keep from being discouraged while waiting? Please head down to the comment section so we can continue our conversation!
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Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!
Love,
BCU
BCU 
What an excellent post!!!
‘The fruit of long suffering.’ During the long wait time, I often find that I give my mind away to too many thoughts; I myself wondering if He will do it, not directly necessarily because of doubt, but sometimes what’s hard, is hearing often, “even if He doesn’t do it, He can.” So often times I find myself wondering, will God do it if he doesn’t want to, if it’s not in HIS plan? Will the fast be for nothing? Will the prayers be in vain? Why do this if the answer is still, “no.” Then the faith escapes right out the window. Not thinking, well, if He doesn’t do it, it may not be good for you. Perhaps there is another lesson He is teaching you. This is what happens when thoughts consume you, when your circumstance is more visible than your faith. I have to get OUT OF MY HEAD, and into His WORD more and more! (Thanks for the scriptures!)
More thoughts that occur – sometimes when He does do what I’ve asked, I don’t get too excited, so I likely don’t praise Him enough, because I’m then expecting something bad to happen, because it seems to always be that effect. Something great happens, something worse will follow. You cannot stay happy for too long.
So, out of these moments, when I see clearly and He speaks, I have to force myself to just remember what He has done already and know that He hasn’t ever failed me yet. So, if a storm comes right after the sun has been shining, I have to remember from past experiences, the sun WILL return. I have to recall that there was always a lesson and there will always be a trial, YET, through them, HE still came through.
So in regards to your question, “What about you? How do you keep from being discouraged while waiting?”, I have to remind myself of what He has already done time and time again, even in spite of my moments of doubt, questions, complaining and overanalyzing His ways, when His ways are NOT our ways. He WILL do what He’s promised in His word, because HE cannot lie. I have to keep thinking on His goodness and all He has done for me, whilst keeping my face in His word, and my eyes on HIM!!! ❤
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Hey Sara!
Yes to this ENTIRE post and ESPECIALLY this part: “Not thinking, well, if He doesn’t do it, it may not be good for you. Perhaps there is another lesson He is teaching you. This is what happens when thoughts consume you, when your circumstance is more visible than your faith. I have to get OUT OF MY HEAD, and into His WORD more and more!….The sun WILL return”. YES LORD!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you SO much for stopping by and encouraging my heart and the hearts of all those who read your beautiful words of wisdom. May God bless you richly!
Love,
Blen
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