Active Waiting: Courage and Faith in Trials
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often encounter challenges that test our resolve and commitment to God. The Christian life is not a simple path; it is fraught with difficulties, temptations, and trials. Yet, in the face of these challenges, we are called to wait on the Lord with courage and faith. Psalm 27:14 encourages us to be of good courage and promises that God will strengthen our hearts as we wait on Him.
Waiting on the Lord is not a passive act; it is an active engagement with God. It involves trusting Him as a beggar waits for alms, knowing that only He can supply our deepest needs. It is a posture of humility and persistence, knocking at the door of mercy with fervent prayer and unwavering hope. As learners, we sit at the feet of Jesus, eager to absorb His teachings and follow His guidance. As servants, we seek to know His will and carry it out with diligence and joy. As children, we rest in the assurance of His provision and care, trusting Him with our future.
Courage is essential in this waiting. We must have the courage to hope, to believe that our faith in Christ will not be in vain. We must boldly confess our faith, unashamed of our allegiance to Jesus. In spreading the gospel, we should not fear opposition but trust that God will empower us to speak His truth. In prayer, we should be confident that our intercessions are heard and will bear fruit. Even in the face of loss or suffering, we are called to be courageous, knowing that God is with us and will ultimately reward our faithfulness.
Waiting on God sustains our courage by renewing our strength through the Holy Spirit. It gives us a perspective that diminishes our fears and inflames our love for Christ. It brings peace to our souls, allowing us to face trials with calm assurance. It also offers us glimpses of the eternal reward, reminding us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. Experience teaches us that waiting on the Lord is the path of wisdom, leading to victory over our adversaries, guidance in our decisions, and vindication against false accusations.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Waiting: Waiting on the Lord is an active process that involves persistent prayer, humble learning, and diligent service. It requires us to engage with God continually, seeking His guidance and provision in every aspect of our lives. [05:33]
- Courage in Faith: We are called to be courageous in our faith, boldly confessing our allegiance to Christ and trusting in His promises. This courage is rooted in the assurance that God hears our prayers and will not forsake us. [24:41]
- Strength through the Spirit: Waiting on God renews our strength through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to face challenges with resilience and hope. This divine strength is a mysterious yet powerful force that sustains us in our journey. [33:13]
- Perspective and Peace: By waiting on the Lord, we gain a perspective that diminishes our fears and brings peace to our souls. This peace allows us to face trials with calm assurance, knowing that God is in control. [39:01]
- Eternal Reward: Waiting on God offers us glimpses of the eternal reward, reminding us that our present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits us. This hope fuels our courage and perseverance. [39:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Brave Waiting
- [00:33] - The Christian's Journey
- [01:04] - Dangers of Fear and Faint-heartedness
- [01:39] - Encouragement to Persevere
- [02:33] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [03:08] - Four Aspects of Waiting
- [04:03] - Waiting as a Beggar
- [07:42] - Waiting as a Learner
- [09:53] - Waiting as a Servant
- [14:51] - Waiting for Guidance
- [20:19] - Waiting as a Child
- [22:14] - Waiting as a Courtier
- [24:21] - Maintaining Courage
- [32:28] - Sustaining Courage through Waiting
- [41:06] - Experience Proves the Power of Waiting
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 27:14
- Isaiah 40:31
- Lamentations 3:25-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 27:14 suggest about the relationship between courage and waiting on the Lord? How does this verse set the tone for the sermon? [00:15]
2. In the sermon, how is the act of waiting on the Lord described as both active and passive? What examples are given to illustrate this dual nature? [04:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in renewing our strength while waiting on God? [33:13]
4. What are some of the different ways the sermon suggests we can wait on the Lord, such as a beggar, a learner, or a servant? [04:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the concept of "courage in faith" in the context of waiting on the Lord? What practical implications does this have for believers? [24:21]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting on God can change our perspective on earthly challenges and fears? How does this align with the message in Isaiah 40:31? [36:16]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between waiting on God and experiencing peace within our souls? What role does this peace play in facing trials? [39:01]
4. What does the sermon imply about the eternal reward for those who wait on the Lord? How does this promise influence the believer's courage and perseverance? [39:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can you actively wait on the Lord in this situation, and what steps can you take to engage with God through prayer and service? [05:33]
2. Consider a time when you felt your courage in faith was tested. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to maintain your courage? [24:41]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need renewed strength. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area, and what practical actions can you take to rely on God's strength? [33:13]
4. Think about a fear or worry that has been consuming your thoughts. How can waiting on the Lord help you gain a new perspective on this issue, and what specific scripture or prayer can you use to remind yourself of God's control? [39:01]
5. How can the promise of an eternal reward motivate you to persevere through current sufferings or trials? What specific hope or promise from scripture can you hold onto during difficult times? [39:55]
6. In what ways can you boldly confess your faith in your daily life, and how can you overcome any fear of opposition or rejection? [24:41]
7. Identify one person in your life who may benefit from hearing about the hope and courage found in waiting on the Lord. How can you share this message with them this week? [27:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Engagement with God
Waiting on the Lord is not a passive endeavor but an active engagement that requires persistent prayer, humble learning, and diligent service. It involves a continuous relationship with God, where one seeks His guidance and provision in every aspect of life. This active waiting is akin to a beggar waiting for alms, fully aware that only God can fulfill the deepest needs. It is a posture of humility and persistence, characterized by fervent prayer and unwavering hope. As learners, believers sit at the feet of Jesus, eager to absorb His teachings and follow His guidance. As servants, they seek to know His will and carry it out with diligence and joy. As children, they rest in the assurance of His provision and care, trusting Him with their future. [05:33]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you actively engage with God today, seeking His guidance and provision through prayer and service?
Day 2: Courageous Faith
Courage is essential in the journey of faith. Believers are called to be courageous, boldly confessing their allegiance to Christ and trusting in His promises. This courage is rooted in the assurance that God hears their prayers and will not forsake them. In spreading the gospel, they should not fear opposition but trust that God will empower them to speak His truth. Even in the face of loss or suffering, they are called to be courageous, knowing that God is with them and will ultimately reward their faithfulness. This courage in faith is a testament to their unwavering hope and trust in God's promises. [24:41]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: What is one area where you need to boldly confess your faith in Christ today, despite any fear or opposition you might face?
Day 3: Strength through the Spirit
Waiting on God renews strength through the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to face challenges with resilience and hope. This divine strength is a mysterious yet powerful force that sustains them in their journey. It provides a perspective that diminishes fears and inflames love for Christ. The Holy Spirit's empowerment allows believers to face trials with calm assurance, knowing that God is in control. This strength is not of their own making but is a gift from God, enabling them to persevere through life's challenges with hope and resilience. [33:13]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in a specific challenge you are facing today?
Day 4: Perspective and Peace
By waiting on the Lord, believers gain a perspective that diminishes their fears and brings peace to their souls. This peace allows them to face trials with calm assurance, knowing that God is in control. It offers a glimpse of the eternal reward, reminding them that their present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits. This perspective and peace are gifts from God, providing comfort and assurance in the midst of life's challenges. It is a reminder that God is sovereign and that His plans are for their ultimate good. [39:01]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What fear or anxiety can you surrender to God today, trusting Him to provide peace and perspective in its place?
Day 5: Hope of Eternal Reward
Waiting on God offers glimpses of the eternal reward, reminding believers that their present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits. This hope fuels their courage and perseverance, providing a sense of purpose and direction in their journey of faith. It is a reminder that their faithfulness will be rewarded and that God's promises are true. This hope of eternal reward is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling believers to endure trials with confidence and joy, knowing that their ultimate reward is secure in Christ. [39:55]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can the hope of eternal reward inspire you to persevere through a current difficulty, knowing that your present sufferings are temporary?
Quotes
The Christian's life is no Child's Play. All who have gone on pilgrimage to the celestial City have found a rough road, slows of despond and hills of difficulty, Giants to fight and tempters to shun. Hence there are two perils to which Christians are exposed: the one is that under heavy pressure they should start away from the path which they ought to pursue; the other is lest they should grow fearful of failure and so become faint-hearted in their holy cause. [00:00:25]
Waiting is active as well as passive, energetic as well as patient, and to wait upon the Lord necessitates as much holy courage as Waring and fighting with his enemies. We are to wait on, wait upon, and wait for the Lord, for it is written, they that wait on the Lord shall inherit the earth, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, and blessed are all they that wait for him. [00:03:57]
We have gone to his door, many of us, and knocked and waited, and in so doing we have obtained very gracious answers. If others of us have not seen the door of Mercy open to us, let us still wait at the post of the Lord's door, still knock, and still hope for his salvation. Are you seeking the Savior, and are you trusting in Him, and have you not yet obtained the peace which comes with believing? [00:05:01]
The disciple Waits at his master's feet, and according as the teacher chooses to speak, so the disciple's ears are opened. Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Some stand in the crowd and listen a little, and anon they are gone, but the true disciple abides in the school and waits to hear what his master will speak. We bow down at his feet with this humble resolve that whatsoever he saith, we will hear. [00:07:47]
A true servant is anxious to know what his master wishes him to do, and when he once knows it, he is happy to undertake it and carry it through. In great houses, certain servants inquire of the master in the morning, "Sir, what are your orders for the day?" Imitate this, and when you rise in the morning, always wait upon your lord to know what are his commands for the day. [00:09:56]
Our children can seldom be accused of having small expectations with reference to us. They have desires and wants almost countless, and they always expect their parents readily to supply them, in which reckoning I have no doubt they have been strongly confirmed by their past experience. No little child thinks of providing for himself, nor does he dream of directing his own course in life. [00:20:31]
He that is at court and seeks to rise to favor Waits upon his Prince with the desire to be employed in the Royal Service, that he may prove his loyal Zeal. He counts any sort of employment at court to be a great honor. He tells his friends that they accept it as a subject of congratulation that he has obtained such and such work to do for the king. [00:22:14]
Be of good courage, you that wait on the Lord. Have the courage of Hope concerning the faith which you are exercising upon Christ. You are just beginning, some of you, to believe in Jesus, and you are afraid that he will cast you away or fearful that you will not obtain full salvation from sin. I've already told you to continue to knock at Mercy's door. [00:24:41]
If you lose a situation because you are honest, be of good courage. You will be no loser in the long run. Are there some who despise you because you are a Christian? Be of good courage. Their opinion is of very little worth, and in the Judgment of angels and good men, you stand very high. Are you like Moses when he refused the treasures of Egypt with all the honors of the Court? [00:29:39]
Beloved, if ever you begin to grow weary in the good ways of God, wait upon him with double earnestness. You have heard of the famous giant whom Hercules could not kill because the Earth was his mother, and every time Hercules dashed him down, he obtained fresh strength by touching his parent and rose again to the fight. We are of like nature, and every time we are driven to our God, though we be dashed upon Him by defeat, we grow strong again. [00:32:28]
Waiting upon God is the way to renew our strength until we Mount up with Eagle's Wings and leave the world Below. In the first place, our heart is strengthened by waiting upon God because we thus receive a mysterious strength through the incoming of the eternal spirit into our souls. No man can explain this, but many of us know what it is. [00:33:13]
Waiting upon the Lord produces the effect of increasing our courage because it gives us often a sight of the Eternal reward, and if a man gets a glimpse of the Crown of Glory, the crown of thorns will no more prick his temples. He that seeth what he shall be in the day when Christ shall be revealed mourneth not because of what he is now while he beareth the reproach of Christ. [00:39:55]
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