I’ve been in prison twenty-six years, waiting for God to answer my prayers to release me from behind these razor-wire fences. But I often find I’ve been focusing on the unfairness of life instead of on the One who will one day make all things right.
Life is hard, and we often don’t understand God’s timing or His purposes. But God always responds with His best for our lives. The truth is that God does not give us what we deserve; He gives us mercy instead. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5 KVJ).
God is more than enough, despite what we see. His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). Yet before we can find such reassurance, we may have to step back, lay down our own efforts, and take the hand of Jesus that is extended to us in mercy and grace.
Waiting is hard at any time, but when days, months, or even years pass and our prayers seem to go unanswered, it’s easy to feel God has forgotten us. When we’re waiting for God to resolve a difficult situation or to answer oft-repeated prayers, it’s easy to get discouraged. Time is passing by; it may seem like things will never change. You may even think, “Why make the effort to worship with fellow believers?”
When we are waiting on God’s answer, the lifelines we need most are prayer, the studying of God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers. They help us to hold steady in the flow of God’s love and care. They remind us of all He has done in the past to bless us. God is always at work in us. He is worth waiting for; His timing is always the best.
Learning to wait on God for the answers means patiently looking for what we need. Sometimes lessons in patience take a long time to learn, but we can always trust His response, even if it doesn’t come in the time we expect.
David understood why he had to wait on the Lord. First, his salvation came from Him (Psalm 62:1). He learned that no one else could deliver him. His only hope was in God (62:5), for God alone heard his prayers (62:8).
My prayers often ask God to hurry up and bless what I want. David learned to be patient and wait on God’s timing. He said, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning, I will direct it to You. And I will look up” (Psalm 5:3 NKJV). We must learn to respond like David did when God tells us to be patient.
David made a vow to praise God each day. He continuously praised God through both the good and the difficult times of his life.
Do you find something to praise God for each day? Do you ask Him for patience to wait for His answer? As you do, you will find your heart elevated from daily distractions and discouragement to lasting confidence and hope.
The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray earnestly to Him each morning. In the morning, our minds are more free from worries, and we can commit the whole day to God. It’s the best way to start the day! As we continue our communication with God through the day, our relationship with Him strengthens. Regular communication helps any friendship; it is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God.
Prayer strengthens my ability to wait. It gives me confidence in God’s unconditional love for me. I know He is listening; He will help me.
I can wait for an answer from God no matter how long it takes because He knows the beginning and the end, and He tells me, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His timing is perfect. He is with you, too.
Written by Roy A. Borges
Photo by Amos Bar-Zeev
