WAIT TRAINING

For Christian Singles

Three Guys Who Learned To Wait

Simeon waited for the birth of the Christ. Luke 2:25, 26
John, the Apostle, was banished to the Isle of Patmos. Revelation 1:9
Joseph waited in prison… Genesis 39:19–41:1

Why is waiting so hard?

We have so many distractions, responsibilities and people wanting our time.

It’s hard to break with cultural patterns.

We might be a highly productive multi-tasker.

It’s hard to be still and listen for God’s voice.

There are so many unknowns

  • The outcome may be known & timing unknown - a death
  • The timing may be known & the outcome unknown – an election
  • The outcome & timing may be unknown – a disease
  • The timing, outcome & reality may be unknown – a marriage

Waiting Is Good Training

  1. Waiting is spiritual strength training.
    Isaiah 40:31But those who wait on the Lordshall renew their strength;They
    shallmount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They
    shall walk and not faint.
  2. Waiting trains us to hope.
    Psalm 33:18-21But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,on those
    whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from deathand keep them
    alive in famine. In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name.
  3. Waiting trains us to be less defensive.
    Psalm 33:20We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.
  4. Waiting trains us to listen to God.
    Psalm 38:15Lord, I wait for you;you will answer, Lord my God.
  5. Waiting trains us to resist taking revenge.
    Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”Wait for the
    Lord, and he will avenge you.
  6. Waiting trains us for success.
    Psalm 37:7, 34Be still before the Lordand wait patiently for him;do not fret
    when people succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes.
    Hope inthe Lordand keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when
    the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.
  7. Waiting trains us to be more stable.
    Psalm 40:1-2I waited patiently for the Lord;he turned to me and heard my cry.
    He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a
    rockand gave me a firm place to stand.
  8. Waiting trains us to experience God’s compassion.
    Isaiah 30:18Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up
    to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who
    wait for him!
  9. Waiting trains us to persevere through difficulties.
    James 1:2-5Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face
    trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces
    perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
    complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
    who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
  10. Waiting strengthens our hearts.
    Psalm 27:14Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

While You Wait You Can Also……

  1. Take care of responsibilities.
    Psalm 37:3Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe
    pasture.
  2. Pursue a love relationship with God.
    Psalm 37:4Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your
    heart.
  3. Set goals, formulate a plan and commit it to the Lord.

Psalm 37:5Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him and he will do this.

  1. Pursue your purpose and fight the tendency to compare your life to others.
    Psalm 37:7Do not fret when people succeed in their ways,when they carry out
    their wicked schemes.

Important Qualities For “Wait Training”

1.Patience

2.Self discipline to stop and listen

3.A willingness to receive a yes, no, or not yet answer

4.No preconceived expectations about the answer

5.A confidence in God’s goodness- Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18

So what are you waiting for and how are you doing at waiting? Lord, please give me the patience to wait on you, help me recognize your answer when it comes and give me the grace to accept whatever the answer may be. I believe you are good and that you love me unconditionally. Amen.