"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
There are many accounts in the Bible of people who had to wait, but they were far from idle. Abraham was a person who waited 25 years to have his promised son (Gen. 21:1-5). However, when God said, "Go", go he did (Gen. 12:1-4). He did not wait for perfect circumstances to leave his homeland. Abraham was a man credited with faith (Rom. 4:2,9). He was on the journey. Unfortunately, he was persuaded to bear a natural son the way others did through a maid servant (Gen. 16:15). In this decision, Abram and Sarah began to lean on their understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). However, no man can understand the mind of God (Rom. 11:34) , who was poised to do the impossible giving the elderly Abraham a son.
Paul and Silas had to wait in a prison, beaten with their feet shackled (Acts 16:22-24). They didn't sulk in that miserable place, bemoaning the injustice of their imprisonment. They didn't try to rip off their shackles in Jesus's name or try to dig out of prison. It sounds silly. However, that's what it's like when we try to fight spiritual battles in our flesh and using our own understanding. Instead, their faith was active as they began to praise God in the midst of captivity (Acts 16:25-29). A miracle took place. Once their chains were broken and the prison doors opened, they had the opportunity to bring the jailer and his family to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Acts 16: 30-34).
Whether God calls you to move or to stay put for the time period, the answer is the same for everyone. The goal of every mature believe is to learn to discern their Shepherd's voice (John 10:3) and His leading. In the meantime, we can always employ tried and true Biblical practices of presenting Him our prayers and petitions, with thanksgiving. Prayer is never idle, unless you use it to stall obedience. Once you receive instructions, act on them.
Learning from Paul and Silas, praise is a powerful agent of breakthrough in seemingly impossible situations. The Psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1, emphasis added)." King David was called a man after God's own heart. He had a habitually practice of praising God in the good times and the bad times.
The wait doesn't have to be miserable, tedious. Remember, Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. With Him on your side, as long as you remain in Him, you're more than a conqueror. Receive His peace today.
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