Tag: waiting on God

October 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Days of the Son of Man

Opening Verse

“And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” – Luke 17:22, KJV

Introduction

Jesus spoke often about His return, preparing His followers for the time when He would no longer be with them physically. In Luke 17:22, He warns His disciples of a time of longing for His presence. There would come days when they would wish to see even a glimpse of the days when He walked with them, but those days would be no more. What does this mean for us today?

Scripture Analysis

The phrase “the days will come” reminds us that time moves forward, and seasons change. Jesus was telling His disciples that they would go through a period where they would yearn for the past—when they had the privilege of walking with Him daily. This prophetic statement is not just about physical presence, but also about spiritual longing.

As the early church faced persecution and trials, they undoubtedly longed for the days when Jesus performed miracles and taught them directly. Today, we too might feel this desire when we face hardship, waiting for a clear sign of His presence.

Personal Reflection

Have you ever gone through a season when you desperately wanted to feel God’s presence but felt like you couldn’t? This scripture speaks to that feeling. There are times in life when it feels like God is far away, and we long for a closer, more tangible connection. Just as the disciples would miss walking with Jesus, we may miss times of spiritual closeness. But Jesus’ warning here also carries hope—because even in these moments, He is still working His plan.

Practical Application

When you feel distant from God, take heart that you are not alone. Like the disciples, we go through seasons of spiritual hunger. But this longing is meant to draw us deeper into seeking Him. Instead of losing hope, we are called to press on in faith, knowing that Jesus has promised to return.

Use these moments to grow in your trust in God. Spend more time in prayer and Scripture, remembering that His timing is perfect. The absence you feel is not permanent; it’s a call to draw nearer to Him in anticipation of His ultimate return.

Spiritual Encouragement

Even when the days are difficult, and you feel a spiritual longing for the past, know that Jesus is with you. He may seem distant at times, but His promise is sure—He will return, and His presence is with us through the Holy Spirit. Keep your eyes on the hope of His coming, and don’t grow weary in waiting.

Closing Verse

“For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”
Hebrews 10:37, KJV

October 4, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Faith in God’s Healing, Even When You Don’t Feel It

Opening Verse:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

Introduction:

Believing in God’s healing can be challenging, especially when you don’t feel any immediate change in your body or situation. Faith, however, calls us to trust beyond our senses. It demands that we look to God’s promises, even when our emotions and experiences tell us otherwise.

Devotional Story:

There was a man named Caleb who had been struggling with chronic illness for many years. Doctors had no solution, and Caleb began to lose hope. He prayed often but never felt a physical change. One day, a friend shared a verse from the Bible: “By His stripes, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). This verse became a beacon of hope for Caleb.

He held onto this promise, even when his symptoms persisted. At church, Caleb would stand during healing services, trusting God was working in him, even if he couldn’t feel it. His faith wasn’t in what his body told him, but in what God’s Word said. Over time, Caleb’s faith strengthened, and while his healing didn’t come instantly, his spirit became stronger, and peace filled his heart.

What This Means:

Faith in God’s healing does not always mean instant results or an immediate physical change. Faith means trusting that God is working, whether you see it or not. Like Caleb, we are called to believe in what God has promised us, trusting Him completely. Healing can manifest in different ways—sometimes in our bodies, sometimes in our hearts. But God is always faithful to His Word.

Think About This:

Do you trust God’s promises even when you don’t feel the results immediately? Faith isn’t about what you see or feel, but about trusting in God’s character and His ability to do the impossible.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I trust in Your healing power, even when I don’t feel it. Strengthen my faith to believe in Your promises above my circumstances. Help me hold onto the truth that by Your stripes, I am healed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“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, KJV)

October 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God’s Timing Is Better Than Our Own

Opening Verse

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
— Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes we rush ahead, believing we know what’s best. We become impatient when things don’t go according to our schedule. But God’s timing is always perfect. His understanding and perspective reach beyond our limitations, orchestrating every detail for our good.

Devotional Story

There was a young woman, eager to start her own business. She had worked tirelessly to save money and gather resources, and finally, she believed it was the right time to launch. However, every door she knocked on seemed to close. She prayed and felt confident that this was what God wanted for her, but nothing was happening. Frustrated, she asked, “Why is this so difficult when it feels like the right thing?”

A year later, after what seemed like endless waiting, a new opportunity came her way—one she had never expected. The resources were far greater than what she had prepared, and the path forward became clear. Looking back, she realized that had her business started on her timing, she would have missed the fullness of what God had prepared. His delay was not a denial; it was a setup for something greater.

What This Means

God sees what we cannot see. His delay isn’t a sign of rejection but a reminder that His plans are higher and more perfect than ours. Just as a farmer waits for the right season to plant seeds, we must wait for God’s perfect time to see the full fruit of our labor. Trusting in His timing means releasing control and believing that His way is always best.

Think About This

  • Have you been trying to rush God’s plans in your life?
  • What doors seem closed to you right now that might open in His perfect timing?

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing. I know that Your ways are higher than mine, and You see the bigger picture. Teach me patience and guide me to wait with hope, knowing that You have plans for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

August 24, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Waiting on God’s Timing

Opening Verse

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV).

Introduction

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel impatient. We work hard, pour our hearts into our endeavors, and naturally, we want to see the results—now. But God’s timing often doesn’t align with our own. Just like fruit that needs time to ripen before it’s ready to be picked, our blessings also require patience and trust in God’s perfect timing.

Devotional Story

There was once a gardener who planted a small orchard. Day after day, he watered the trees, cared for them, and eagerly watched for the first signs of fruit. When the fruits began to appear, they looked so tempting. The gardener was anxious to taste the fruits of his labor. So, without waiting, he picked one of the fruits early. However, when he bit into it, he found it bitter and sour—it wasn’t ready.

Disappointed, the gardener realized that no amount of effort could rush the process of ripening. The fruit needed time to mature, and only then would it be sweet and satisfying. So he waited, trusting that the right time would come. When it finally did, the fruit was abundant and delicious, far beyond what he had imagined.

What This Means

In life, we often find ourselves in the gardener’s shoes. We see the beginnings of God’s blessings and become eager to grasp them before they’re fully developed. But just like fruit that isn’t ripe, prematurely taking hold of something can lead to disappointment. God knows the perfect time for us to receive His blessings. We must trust in His timing and have faith that when the moment is right, the blessings will be far greater than we ever expected.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you’re trying to rush the outcome? What would it look like to trust God more in those areas and wait for His perfect timing?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your perfect timing. I often want things to happen according to my schedule, but I know that Your timing is always best. Teach me to wait patiently for the blessings You have prepared for me, and give me the wisdom to know when it is time to act. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“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, KJV).

December 28, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

A Time to Grow

Opening Verse:

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” – James 1:4 KJV

Introduction:

In our fast-paced world, patience is a virtue that often seems forgotten. Yet, it remains an essential aspect of a spiritually fulfilling life. Patience is not just waiting; it’s about maintaining a positive attitude while waiting.

Narrative Insight:

Consider a farmer who plants seeds. He waters and nurtures them, knowing that he cannot rush their growth. Each seed takes its own time to sprout, grow, and bear fruit. The farmer’s patience is a lesson for us. Just as seeds need time to grow, our spiritual journey also requires patience. Each experience, challenge, and joy is a step towards spiritual maturity.

Connecting the Theme:

Patience allows us to see God’s hand in our lives. It reminds us that some things are beyond our control and understanding. By embracing patience, we open ourselves to God’s timing, finding peace and strength in His plan.

Reflection Prompts:

  • Recall a time when patience led to a positive outcome in your life.
  • How can practicing patience daily strengthen your faith?
  • Think of a situation that currently requires your patience. How can you approach it with a positive attitude?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, grant us the patience to trust in Your timing. Help us to remember that our journey is a process of growth. May we find strength in Your promises, and peace in the knowledge that You are always with us. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” – Psalm 37:7 KJV