Bible References: 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12
When you and I find ourselves staying in the same place until an expected event happens, or until someone arrives, or until it is our turn…we may be in for the spiritual battle of our lives. Because we really don’t know how it’s going to turn out, our thoughts become vulnerable to enemy attack.
We observe Abraham succumbing to such tactics while he waited for God to come through on His promise of an heir. Abraham manipulated the wait time by fathering a child with another wife (Genesis 16:1-4) who was not the child God had promised. The waiting-to-be King David also floundered, escaping to the land of the Philistines, thinking that if he did not, Saul would eventually find and kill him (1 Samuel 27:1). Even King Jeroboam faltered in his waiting by creating his own religious system, surmising that if he did not, people would return to Judah under King Rehoboam, contrary to God’s promise to him (1 Kings 12:26).
Suffice it to say, waiting for God to will and act in our lives is not all unicorns and cotton candy. Extended languishing for what appears improbable is the perfect environment for taking matters into our own hands rather than lifting them up in surrender to His sovereignty.
Marking time in uncertainty is precisely when we must keep our eyes on Christ no matter what happens. It’s here that taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ moves our theology into our reality. During the torrents of spiraling doubt, thundering frustration, and piercing divine silence, you and I should focus on what we know.
We cannot be sure what Hannah was thinking as she joyfully journeyed home, but her prayer in the following chapter lends us a clue. She knew the God in whom she believed. Here Hannah expressed gratitude for His power, justice, and His unparalleled goodness.
Like Hannah, you and I do not know for sure how it’s going to turn out. But we can know in whom we have believed (2 Timothy 1:12). We can trust that He has a purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We can rest assured that our God is not a quitter. He finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). And most certainly, we can know that He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:8).
It is this knowing that enables us to get up and move forward while we wait…
*Click here to start the reading plan on YouVersion*
Thank you Lord Jesus, for bringing me to Cheryl’s Waiting Well reading plan. Through the gifts and words you gave her, you have taught me that I need to learn to wait well. It is miraculous that in just 3 short days, I have learned so much already. I have peace about not only when I will be able to move to Florida, but even if I will be able to move. I have peace because I know that if it is of your will, you will make it happen, and if it isn’t, then it is because you have a far greater plan for us.
Cheryl, thank you for sharing the “Learning to cling”; it helped me immensely. I am looking forward to reading your books, and watching more of your videos; and perhaps even one day, being able to attend one of your live teachings and being able to thank you in person.
May God richly bless you and your family.
Laurabell,
I am so glad to connect with you. It is an honor to be a part of God speaking His truth into your life. May the blessing be on you.
I’m part of an online Ladies Devotional Accountability group. We use You Version devotionals and yours was our most recent. It is amazing how it was chosen at just the perfect time, not just for me, but for others in our little group.
I’ve been waiting impatiently and not very well for my husband to come out of a depression and get back to being the man I know he is. The daily devotionals and videos for the last three days have helped me not to try to manipulate God’s will for us, but to even change my thought process to waiting well while I trust God to work things out.
Thank you for writing this devotional. I wish it were longer!
Bonnie,
I am so glad the Word of God meets us exactly where and when we need it. And I need it!
He will not fail us.
What a thrill to be a part of your group! And Thank you for sharing what God is doing. We will be praying for you and your husband.
For His Glory,
Cheri