Two Ways to Wait on the Lord: Patience vs. Service
1Top o' the Mornin' to Ya!
I hate waiting. How about you?
I really do. I want it now, now, NOW! That immediate gratification, that instant satisfaction. I'm impatient by nature, like most of us in today's fast-paced world.
What?
But Scripture repeatedly tells us to "wait on the Lord." This morning, I was planning to look up more about that famous verse - "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" - but I overslept a bit and didn't get the chance.
I've heard in sermons that this concept of "waiting" in Scripture has a fascinating dual meaning. On one hand, it can mean what we typically think - sitting patiently, delaying gratification, being still until God moves. But there's another powerful meaning: waiting on the Lord like a waiter serves at a restaurant.
This second kind of waiting means actively serving, doing the Lord's bidding, using His gifts, and being in action. It's not passive at all - it's purposeful service while we wait for His timing.
Why?
Yesterday while preparing for a podcast, I listened to what other guests were doing in their ministries, and I felt humbled. I thought to myself, "I can wait harder for the Lord as I serve Him." In the past, I've done so much more visible ministry, and sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough now.
But then a piece of peace came over me. I realized I'm in a different season now - actively waiting on my kids and family while growing my coaching business and helping people improve their lives. My service looks different today, but it's still waiting on the Lord in that active sense.
Lesson
There's a profound difference between waiting FOR something and waiting ON someone. One is passive; the other is active service.
Too often, we sit around saying, "God, make something happen!" rather than asking, "Lord, what do You have for me to do while I wait?" My prayer this morning was simply, "What do you want me to do?" Then I practiced that listening prayer we've been talking about the last few days.
This is what brought to mind the concept of waiting - what am I doing while I wait for God's next big direction? Am I serving in the season I'm in?
Apply
I'm excited about teaching people financial peace as part of our Kingdom Family Leader path. The first pillar in our framework is "Bless Yourself," and part of blessing yourself is getting your personal finances in order - telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went, giving every dollar a job, and building that solid foundation.
This is one way I'm actively waiting on the Lord right now - serving in this specific area where He's given me skills and passion.
What about you? Where are you waiting on the Lord in your life? And more importantly, what does that waiting look like? Are you passively waiting FOR something to happen, or are you actively waiting BY doing and serving?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
You be blessed!
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#WaitingOnGod #ChristianLeadership #FinancialPeace #SeasonalLiving #FaithfulService