CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 679

“Are We There Yet?”

PSALM 27:14 (ESV) Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

PSALM 31:24 (ESV) Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

HOSEA 12:6 (ESV) “… wait continually for your God.”
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If you have ever driven in a car with children you probably have heard their impatient whining question, ‘Are we there yet’? I don’t think we ever outgrow this impatient aspect of our character. I have found that I use my GPS system to tell me how far I have yet to go before reaching my destination. I use the GPS even when I know the way to travel and frequently glance at the miles remaining indicator. I may not voice it, but my glance asks, ‘Are we there yet?’

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Heb 11:1

Does our lack of faith cause us to be impatient with God? Do you find yourself constantly asking God, ‘Are we there yet’? Does it seem that God has set you on a path or journey and then abandoned you there? Does He seem silent and unresponsive to your impatient whining?

… hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Rom 8:22

God does not give us a visual indicator of His timing. He will not tell you how much longer or how much further it is to your destination. God expects us to patiently hope and trust in Him.

I will wait for the LORD … and I will hope in him. – Isa 8:17

I confess that I am not good at waiting. I plant a garden or seed my lawn and the very next day I am out there looking for signs of new growth.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. – James 5:7

What are you waiting on the Lord for? Is it physical healing? Perhaps you are looking for a job or enough customers to keep your business going. If you are like me the temptation is to wrest control of your life from God and take matters in your own hands and try to make something happen yourself. This is striving with God and Isaiah 45:9 declares ‘Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him…’

It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deut 31:8

Learn to quiet the turmoil in your soul through prayer and meditating upon the Truth of the Word of God. Through His indwelling, abiding presence learn to rest and experience His peace and joy in the midst of your circumstances. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness first and you can say with conviction what the Psalmist wrote:

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; – Psalm 130:5

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God