Nuggets of Grace: The Waiting Game
The waiting game can be a difficult place to be. Let’s take a look at a few nuggets of grace in the Bible to help us be patient in the waiting.
Have you ever had a vision for something that didn’t come about right away? It can be a little frustrating, but there may be a reason for the wait. Let’s see what the Bible says.
Join Us
Nuggets of Grace
I love it when little nuggets pop out when I am reading the Word! Sometimes it may only take one sentence or phrase to make the point.
These little nuggets are always amazing, so I try to write them down in a journal. I love referring back to them later.
The “nuggets” I am sharing here are from a reading that came from the book of Amos. Let me know what else you may see in these scriptures.
Amos Chapter 2
The Lord was speaking to the Israelites in Amos chapter 2. He was showing them how far they had fallen as they joined in with the sinful beliefs and behaviors of society.
Verse 10 is the one that really stood out to me.
If you think back to Exodus and the time the Lord is referring to, He led them out of Egypt with the Egyptians chasing after them. Then because of their sin and lack of faith, they ended up living and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
That is a long time to wait on a promise!
In fact, the people of that generation (with the exception of a couple) did not enter into the Promised Land. However, their children did.
The Benefits of Waiting
I am sure the new generation did not see the 40 year delay as a blessing at the time. In fact, they knew it was a consequence they had to face for their ancestors’ lack of faith.
Although that next generation had to wait, I fully believe that there were benefits in the waiting.
There is no telling how many good things came out of their time in the wilderness, but here are a few:
- As He led them with a cloud by day and a fire by night, they learned to follow Him. (Exodus 13:21)
- He raised up prophets and leaders from their children. (Amos 2:11)
- He prepared the new generation to have faith and obedience.
- Even as they entered, it was a gradual thing. The Lord knew what protections to put in place for them. It was all about the timing. Look at the Lord’s reasoning. His wisdom and timing are always best, even when we don’t understand it.
- After they entered the land, they faced battles. This was to teach the new generation how to fight. (Judges 3:1-4)
- In the long run, the waiting allowed them to be ready to properly receive what the Lord was giving them.
What Do We Learn While Waiting?
As humans we definitely like to rush things. In fact, we tend to prefer instant gratification.
Have you ever had to wait on:
- A spouse
- Having children
- The job you were already qualified for
- Finances
- Your business goals
- Retirement
And on and on and on…?
As difficult as it can be to play the waiting game, God’s timing is always best! He may just be protecting you from the wild animals.
Quotes
I heard a quote a while back on the radio that has stuck with me. I didn’t write it down, so I don’t have the exact wording or know who said it. Here is the gist of it:
When the Lord gives you a vision for something to come, count it a blessing that the Lord is trusting you with the future He has planned for you.
This one from Oswald Chambers says it all:
“When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His Word.” Oswald Chambers
I love this verse from Habakkuk:
So many times the things we see as delays are needed to make us ready for what the Lord has for us. Let’s change our mindset and see the waiting as a blessing.
Please join us as we read the Word each week and share your insights on these scriptures as well.
Biblical Resources
If you are trying to get started with a daily Bible plan, see Simple Bible Study Ideas for Spiritual Growth. I hope these tips will help you like they have helped me.
These are a few of my favorite Bible study resources:
- She Reads Truth Bible
- Composition Notebook
- Black Pens – These are fine point and work well in Bibles.
Related Posts
Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 1
Time Lessons – Like Sands Through the Hourglass
Please share any encouragement and lessons you learned this week as you read the Word of God. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time…
disclosure: Amazon affiliate links and others are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy on the website.
“From one Man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Acts 17:26
(New Testament)
Writing these nuggest of wisdom down in my gratitude journal too, Susan, they are so, so, so good and just what I needed to hear today! Thanks for always giving us your best lady. Big hugs, CoCo
Thanks so much Coco!!!
This is so good Susan! So wonderfully spoken.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Thank you so much!