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Why Do People Struggle with Waiting on God? – Viral Believer
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Why Do People Struggle with Waiting on God?

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, waiting has become a daunting task for many. People expect instant gratification, and the idea of waiting for something seems increasingly foreign. As believers, we are often faced with the challenge of waiting on God, trusting in His perfect timing and plan.

The struggle to wait on God is not a new phenomenon; it has been a part of human nature since the beginning. The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who have faced this very challenge, and their experiences can provide valuable insights for us today.

The struggle with waiting on God is deeply rooted in our human nature, as we constantly grapple with the tension between our desires and God’s will. We often find ourselves in situations where we want something, but God’s plan for us remains unclear or seems delayed.

In these moments, it is crucial to remember that God’s timing is perfect, and He knows what is best for us. In this blog post, we will explore why people struggle with waiting on God and discover biblical insights to help us in our journey of waiting on Him.

Waiting on God

The Battle with Human Nature

One of the primary reasons people struggle with waiting on God is the battle with our own human nature. Our desires and impatience often drive us to take matters into our own hands, rather than trusting in God’s timing.

In Genesis 16, we find the story of Abram and Sarai, who, despite God’s promise to give them a child, grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. This led to the birth of Ishmael, which brought strife and heartache to their family (Genesis 16:1-16).

Our human nature, tainted by sin, causes us to doubt God’s goodness and provision. We might even question if God is truly in control or if He has forgotten about us. The Bible reminds us, however, that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9, NKJV).

Lack of Trust

Another reason we struggle with waiting on God is a lack of trust. We may doubt God’s ability to provide for our needs, or we may question whether His plans for us are truly good. This lack of trust can lead us to take matters into our own hands, like the Israelites did in the wilderness.

When they grew impatient waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai, they decided to build a golden calf to worship, which led to their disobedience and eventual punishment (Exodus 32:1-35).

To build trust in God, we must immerse ourselves in His Word and meditate on His promises. The Bible is full of examples of God’s faithfulness to His people, such as the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, but God ultimately used his circumstances for good (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).

By studying these stories and relying on God’s promises, we can strengthen our trust in Him and learn to wait patiently for His perfect timing.

Fear of the Unknown

Fear of the unknown can also contribute to our struggle with waiting on God. When we face uncertain situations or are unsure of the outcome, we may become anxious and impatient. We see this in the story of the Israelites when they sent spies into the land of Canaan.

Despite God’s promise to give them the land, the Israelites allowed their fear of the unknown to overpower their trust in God, leading them to wander in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 13-14).

To overcome our fear of the unknown, we must remember that God is always with us, and He is in control. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

By trusting in God’s presence and guidance, we can find peace in the midst of uncertainty and learn to wait on Him even when we cannot see the outcome.

The Importance of Spiritual Growth

Waiting on God is not only a test of our patience but also an opportunity for spiritual growth. In times of waiting, we can develop a deeper relationship with God, grow in our faith, and learn to rely on Him more fully.

James 1:2-4 (NKJV) tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” As we wait on God, we can allow our faith to be refined, ultimately becoming more Christ-like in our character and attitudes.

Conclusion: Learning to Wait on God

As we’ve explored the reasons why people struggle with waiting on God, it’s important to remember that we can learn to wait on Him by cultivating a deeper relationship with Him.

We can do this through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives. As we draw closer to God, we can find peace and strength in the midst of our waiting.

In conclusion, waiting on God can be a challenging aspect of our Christian walk. We may struggle with our human nature, lack of trust, fear of the unknown, or the need for spiritual growth.

However, the Bible provides us with countless examples and promises that can help us navigate these challenges and learn to wait on God with patience and trust.

It’s crucial to remember that God’s timing is perfect, and He is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it (Romans 8:28, NKJV).

As we develop a deeper relationship with Him and learn to trust in His perfect timing, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from resting in His promises. May we continue to grow in our faith and learn to wait on God, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us, and working for our good.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.