Learning to Wait

“After fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem … and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest … I might run, or had run, in vain.”—Galatians 2:1–2

The Bible is filled with the fruit of Paul’s ministry—his sermons and letters, his travels, and the churches he founded. But we must not forget the years he spent waiting when it might have seemed he wasn’t doing anything.

He knew God had called him for ministry, but instead of being sent directly into the mission field, he received revelations from Jesus Himself of the Gospel for three years (Galatians 1:18). Then came a revelation. God spoke and pointed him toward Jerusalem. His ministry flourished because he waited for God to open the door at the right time, and he was obedient.

We must also wait at times. We may need to wait for the fulfillment of a dream or for a door to open. Even in times of waiting, we should continue being faithful to do the things He has given us. We need to be ready for Him to speak with further directions in His time and His way.

Ask God to help you be a faithful servant. Always do what He has called you to do. Be a good steward of the resources you have been given, always ready, always faithful, always trustworthy, and always available.

If that means waiting, do not give up hope. Instead, remain faithful. Commit your way to Him and seek to be sensitive to His leadership, confident that He will bless and direct you at just the right time.

Reflection Question: How can you make the most of your seasons of waiting?