Often we want
things done our way in our time by our plan, even when we pray to God. God does
answer prayer for His faithful servants. But Scripture teaches God's people to
wait for Him to act according to His plan in His time and His way. Often we want
things done our way in our time by our plan, even when we pray to God. God does
answer prayer for His faithful servants. But Scripture teaches God's people to
wait for Him to act according to His plan in His time and His way. Several Scriptures, especially in the Old Testament, teach us to wait on the Lord. Let’s consider an example from the life of Jesus (Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 25:3,5,21; 27:14; 37:34; 40:1)
Matthew 27:42,43 – As Jesus was crucified, people mocked saying if He would come down from the cross, they would believe in Him. Consider some lessons for us.
To a person who did not know God’s plan, it would seem hard for Jesus to suffer such ridicule knowing that He could easily do what they were taunting Him to do. He had done many miracles greater than this one. But had He done this one, the critics would not have believed for the same reasons that they were not convinced by His other miracles.
But God had a greater plan. Instead, God determined to allow Jesus to die and then prove who He was by the far greater miracle of resurrection from the dead.
Romans 1:4 – Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead.
So Jesus had to wait and endure hardship until God fulfilled His plan in His way in His time.
We often have problems: health issues, death of loved ones, financial problems, job issues, conflict in families, or improper conduct by rulers or other authorities.
We may wonder why God allows such difficulties. We pray and ask God to remove our problems and wonder why He allows us to continue suffering. As with Jesus, the plan of God may not be obvious to us.
Job 42:3 – I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Job did not understand why God allowed him to suffer. He even went so far as to accuse God of mistreating him. But in the end he learned that God is in charge, God knows what He is doing, and God will care for His people in His way and His time. We need to learn the same lesson.
James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Most of us want God to do things in our way and our time: now! Like Job, we often do not know God’s plan. We may never know till this life is over. But we need to learn the lesson Jesus demonstrated on the cross. God works His plan in His time and His way. We must be patient and “wait on the Lord.”
This principle is obvious above all with regard to eternal rewards.
Galatians 6:8,9 – For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
In this case we know some things about God’s plan. God intends for this life to be a time of testing. We are given the responsibility to demonstrate our faith and service to God. But we know that our reward will not come till after death: “in due season.”
So now we are serving and sometimes suffering. But God has promised deliverance in His time in His way according to His plan.
2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight. Our job is to do what God says and trust Him take care of the results.
Are you willing to let God have His way in your life?
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2021; gospelway.com
Local churches and individuals may, within limits, distribute this Bible study guide for free, but not for sale. Web sites may link to this page but not reproduce it. Click here for more information about our copyright guidelines.
Please bookmark our site in your favorites.
We welcome links to us from other sites :
gospelway.com
- The Gospel Way: Free Bible Study Materials & Guides
Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.