Active Waiting: Trusting God's Timing and Restoration
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of waiting on God and the spiritual growth that occurs during these periods. Waiting is not passive; it is an active process where we gain strength and deepen our faith. Just as building muscle requires time and patience, so does spiritual growth. We may not see immediate changes, but God is always at work, fulfilling His promises in His perfect timing.
Reflecting on the story of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 8:1-6, we see a powerful example of faith and resilience. Despite facing a famine and losing her home, she trusted in God's protection and providence. Her story teaches us that God’s protection often comes through His instructions and guidance, even when it leads us into unfamiliar or challenging territories. The Shunammite woman’s obedience to Elisha’s warning about the famine exemplifies the importance of listening to God’s voice, even when it disrupts our comfort and routine.
In times of disaster, God may call us to pivot, to change our direction or approach. This pivot is not just a physical move but a shift in our focus and priorities. It requires letting go of excess baggage—old habits, mindsets, and grievances—that hinder our progress. The Shunammite woman’s journey into enemy territory symbolizes the courage to trust God’s protection in seemingly hostile environments.
Moreover, the story highlights the providence of God. The Shunammite woman’s return coincides with Gehazi recounting her story to the king, leading to the restoration of her property and more. This divine timing is a reminder that God is always orchestrating events for our good, even when we cannot see it. Our testimonies, like hers, have the power to open doors and bring about restoration.
Finally, we are reminded that God is a restorer. He can restore what we have lost, often giving us more than we asked for. Just as the Shunammite woman received back her land and income, God can restore our lives in ways beyond our imagination. We are encouraged to hold on to our faith, knowing that God is still writing our stories and that His power to restore remains unchanged.
Key Takeaways:
- Waiting on God is Active: Waiting on God is not passive; it is a time of spiritual strengthening and growth. Just as building muscle takes time, so does developing faith. Trust that God is working even when you cannot see immediate results. [10:41]
- God’s Protection in Instruction: God’s protection often comes through His instructions and guidance. Like the Shunammite woman, we must listen and obey, even when it leads us into unfamiliar or challenging territories. Are you listening to God’s voice in your life? [20:04]
- The Power of Pivoting: In times of disaster, God may call us to pivot, to change our direction or approach. This requires letting go of excess baggage—old habits, mindsets, and grievances—that hinder our progress. Embrace the discomfort of change for growth. [26:07]
- Providence in Divine Timing: God’s providence is evident in the divine timing of events. The Shunammite woman’s story reminds us that God is always orchestrating events for our good, even when we cannot see it. Trust in His timing and plan. [35:11]
- God as Restorer: God has the power to restore what we have lost, often giving us more than we asked for. Like the Shunammite woman, we can receive back our losses and more. Hold on to your faith, knowing that God is still writing your story. [38:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [10:41] - Returning to Fort Washington
- [12:42] - The Purpose of Fire Drills
- [14:01] - The Shunammite Woman's Story
- [16:25] - Elisha's Promise and the Child's Death
- [18:53] - Facing Famine and Personal Disasters
- [20:04] - God's Protection and Instruction
- [21:58] - Listening to God's Voice
- [23:03] - Suffering and Disobedience
- [24:10] - God's Peace in Trouble
- [24:56] - The Call to Pivot
- [26:07] - Embracing Change and Letting Go
- [28:50] - Evaluating Excess Baggage
- [30:46] - Firm Foundation and Trust
- [32:38] - Divine Timing and Restoration
- [35:11] - The Power of Testimony
- [38:29] - God's Restorative Power
- [40:24] - Access to the King
- [41:38] - Personal Testimony and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 8:1-6
Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Elisha give to the Shunammite woman, and how did she respond to them? [14:01]
2. How did the Shunammite woman's story unfold when she returned to her land after the famine? [32:38]
3. What role did Gehazi play in the restoration of the Shunammite woman's property? [35:11]
4. How does the story of the Shunammite woman illustrate the concept of divine timing? [37:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the Shunammite woman's obedience to Elisha's warning about the famine teach us about listening to God's voice in our lives? [20:04]
2. How does the concept of "pivoting" during times of disaster apply to the Shunammite woman's journey, and what might this mean for believers today? [26:07]
3. In what ways does the story of the Shunammite woman demonstrate God's providence and restorative power? [38:29]
4. How can the Shunammite woman's experience of restoration encourage believers to trust in God's ongoing work in their lives? [41:38]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God. How did that period of waiting strengthen your faith, and what did you learn from it? [10:41]
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to pivot or change direction? What steps can you take to embrace this change? [24:56]
3. Consider the "excess baggage" you might be carrying. What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to move forward in your spiritual journey? [28:50]
4. How can you actively listen for God's instructions in your life, especially during challenging times? What practices can help you discern His voice more clearly? [23:03]
5. In what ways can you share your personal testimony to encourage others and open doors for restoration in your community? [35:11]
6. How can you hold on to your faith and trust in God's timing, even when your current circumstances don't align with His promises? [37:06]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need God's restorative power. How can you seek His guidance and support in this area? [38:29]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Active Waiting as Spiritual Exercise
Waiting on God is not a passive endeavor; it is an active process that strengthens our spiritual muscles. Just as physical exercise requires time and patience to build strength, so does the development of our faith. During these periods of waiting, we may not see immediate changes, but we can trust that God is at work, fulfilling His promises in His perfect timing. This active waiting involves prayer, reflection, and a deepening of our relationship with God, allowing us to grow stronger in our faith. [10:41]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently waiting on God? How can you actively engage in this waiting period to strengthen your faith?
Day 2: Obedience in Uncertainty
God’s protection often comes through His instructions and guidance, even when it leads us into unfamiliar or challenging territories. The story of the Shunammite woman exemplifies the importance of listening to God’s voice and obeying His guidance, even when it disrupts our comfort and routine. Her obedience to Elisha’s warning about the famine shows us that God’s instructions are a form of protection, guiding us through difficult times. Are you listening to God’s voice in your life, and are you willing to follow His guidance even when it leads you into the unknown? [20:04]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is guiding you, but you are hesitant to follow? What steps can you take today to trust and obey His guidance?
Day 3: Embracing the Pivot
In times of disaster or change, God may call us to pivot, to change our direction or approach. This pivot is not just a physical move but a shift in our focus and priorities. It requires letting go of excess baggage—old habits, mindsets, and grievances—that hinder our progress. The Shunammite woman’s journey into enemy territory symbolizes the courage to trust God’s protection in seemingly hostile environments. Embrace the discomfort of change for growth, knowing that God is leading you to a place of greater purpose and fulfillment. [26:07]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one old habit or mindset that you need to let go of to embrace the new direction God is leading you? How can you begin to release it today?
Day 4: Trusting in Divine Timing
The providence of God is evident in the divine timing of events. The Shunammite woman’s story reminds us that God is always orchestrating events for our good, even when we cannot see it. Her return coincides with Gehazi recounting her story to the king, leading to the restoration of her property and more. This divine timing is a reminder to trust in God’s plan and timing, knowing that He is always working for our good. [35:11]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God’s perfect timing in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His timing for your current situation?
Day 5: Restoration Beyond Imagination
God is a restorer, and He can restore what we have lost, often giving us more than we asked for. The Shunammite woman received back her land and income, demonstrating God’s power to restore our lives in ways beyond our imagination. We are encouraged to hold on to our faith, knowing that God is still writing our stories and that His power to restore remains unchanged. Trust in His ability to bring restoration and abundance into your life. [38:29]
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking restoration? How can you actively trust God to restore and even exceed your expectations in this area?
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Quotes
"In the midst of your disaster, in the midst of your problems, in the midst of your struggle, don't let that obscure the truth that God is protecting you." [00:21:36] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"In the midst of that disaster, you have his protection, his peace. And in the midst of that, maybe God is calling you to pivot. To make a change. To make a move." [00:25:05] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I think when disaster comes, when there is trouble, when there is heartache in our lives, that that's an opportunity to pause and say, Lord, what are you asking me to do differently?" [00:25:46] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is calling you to pivot, and it is hard to move when you're carrying weight, when you're carrying shame, when you're carrying guilt, when you're carrying envy, when you're carrying jealousy, when you are covering, when you are carrying regret. Let it go. Let the excess baggage go." [00:29:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"In the midst of your disaster, remember that God has the power to restore, that God can give you back legit double for your trouble, that God is still able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask or think." [00:38:59] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God's plan, God's providence is him working out all things for good. It's what Paul expresses in Romans 8 .28, and we know, not that I think, not that I hope, not that I wish, not that I wonder, not that I'm curious, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God will work all things for good." [00:37:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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