Embracing the Gift of Waiting in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of waiting and its significance in our spiritual journey. Drawing from Psalm 1, we reflected on the importance of being deeply rooted in our faith, much like a tree planted by streams of water. This imagery serves as a reminder that to thrive and bear fruit, we must cultivate a strong connection with Jesus, not just on Sundays but in every aspect of our lives. This connection is nurtured through practices like the "Rooted" course, which helps individuals deepen their relationship with Christ and others.
We also heard inspiring testimonies from members of our community, like Jim and Shanna, who are actively living out their faith by leading others and serving in various capacities. Their stories highlight the call to discipleship, where we are encouraged to make disciples as we go about our daily lives, even in simple acts like offering prayer during a DoorDash delivery.
The sermon delved into the concept of waiting, particularly in the context of the Advent season. We often view waiting as a burden, something to be avoided or rushed through. However, we are challenged to see waiting as a gift, a time when God is actively working in us and through us. Waiting reveals God's character and refines our own, making us more dependent on Him and preparing us for what lies ahead.
Through the stories of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2, we see examples of faithful waiting. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. His story teaches us that waiting can be a time of revelation, where God unveils His plans and purposes. Anna, a prophetess who spent her life in worship and prayer, shows us that waiting can be a time of preparation, making us ready to receive and recognize Jesus when He comes.
As we navigate our own seasons of waiting, we are encouraged to embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. God uses these times to refine our character, deepen our trust, and prepare us for the fulfillment of His promises. In the waiting, we find peace, joy, and the assurance that God is with us, working all things for our good.
Key Takeaways:
- Deep Roots in Faith: Like a tree planted by streams of water, our spiritual vitality depends on being deeply rooted in Christ. This connection is not just for Sundays but for every moment of our lives, drawing strength from His love, mercy, and grace. [03:00]
- The Gift of Waiting: Waiting is not a necessary evil but a needed good. It is a time when God is actively working in us, revealing His character and refining our own. In the waiting, we learn dependence on Him and grow in righteousness. [24:30]
- Revelation in the Wait: God uses waiting to reveal who He is and how He works. Like Simeon, we are called to be attentive and open to the Holy Spirit's leading, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [34:00]
- Refinement and Readiness: Waiting refines our character, making us more like Christ. It prepares us to receive His blessings and equips us to bless others. In the waiting, we become the kind of people who can recognize and respond to God's work in our lives. [38:49]
- Redemption of the Past: God redeems our waiting, using our past experiences to minister to others. Like Anna, we are called to worship in the wait, allowing God to transform our past into a testimony of His faithfulness and grace. [52:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:00] - Deep Roots in Faith
- [10:42] - Acts of Mercy Mission
- [21:48] - Peace in the Waiting
- [24:30] - The Gift of Waiting
- [29:44] - God's Timing
- [34:00] - Revelation in the Wait
- [35:38] - Dependence on God
- [37:16] - Relationship in the Wait
- [38:49] - Refinement and Readiness
- [39:43] - Joy in Waiting
- [42:04] - Worth the Wait
- [43:52] - God's Gracious Waiting
- [45:10] - Active Waiting
- [46:21] - Ready to Receive
- [48:05] - Recognizing Jesus
- [49:19] - Practicing Readiness
- [51:06] - Anna's Testimony
- [52:18] - Redemption of the Past
- [53:51] - Embracing the Journey
- [54:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 1:1-3: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
- Luke 2:25-38: The stories of Simeon and Anna, who faithfully waited for the Messiah.
#### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of a person who is "like a tree planted by streams of water"? How does this imagery relate to being deeply rooted in faith? [03:00]
2. How did Simeon and Anna demonstrate faithful waiting in Luke 2? What specific actions or attitudes did they exhibit during their wait? [34:00]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah? How is this significant in the context of waiting? [35:38]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of waiting as a "gift" rather than a burden? What examples from the sermon illustrate this idea? [24:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of a tree in Psalm 1 help us understand the importance of being deeply rooted in our faith? What does it mean to be "deeply rooted" in a practical sense? [03:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting can reveal God's character and refine our own? How might this change our perspective on waiting periods in our lives? [34:00]
3. How does the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2 illustrate the idea of being prepared to receive God's promises? What can we learn from their example about readiness and recognition? [46:21]
4. The sermon mentions that waiting can be a time of preparation and refinement. How does this align with the experiences of Simeon and Anna, and what does it suggest about our own spiritual growth during waiting periods? [38:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt deeply rooted in your faith. What practices or habits helped you maintain that connection, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life now? [03:00]
2. Consider a current situation where you are in a season of waiting. How can you shift your perspective to see this time as a gift and an opportunity for growth? [24:30]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to wait. How can you actively engage with God during this time to deepen your trust and dependence on Him? [34:00]
4. Simeon and Anna were ready to recognize Jesus when He came. What steps can you take to be more spiritually prepared to recognize and respond to God's work in your life? [46:21]
5. Think about a past experience where waiting led to personal growth or a deeper understanding of God's character. How can you use that experience to encourage someone else who is currently in a waiting period? [52:18]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of being ready to bless others. How can you practice being a blessing to those around you, even while you are waiting for your own prayers to be answered? [48:05]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate a sense of peace and joy in your current season of waiting? How can you invite others to join you in this journey? [29:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Deep Roots in Faith
To thrive spiritually, we must be deeply rooted in our faith, much like a tree planted by streams of water. This imagery from Psalm 1 reminds us that our spiritual vitality depends on a strong connection with Christ, not just on Sundays but in every moment of our lives. This connection is nurtured through intentional practices and community engagement, such as the "Rooted" course, which helps individuals deepen their relationship with Jesus and others. By drawing strength from His love, mercy, and grace, we can withstand life's challenges and bear fruit in our spiritual journey. [03:00]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: What specific practice can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your connection with Christ and ensure your spiritual roots grow stronger?
Day 2: The Gift of Waiting
Waiting is often perceived as a burden, but it is a time when God is actively working in us, revealing His character and refining our own. In the context of the Advent season, waiting is a gift that teaches us dependence on God and helps us grow in righteousness. It is during these times of waiting that we learn to trust in God's perfect timing and His plans for our lives. By embracing waiting as a necessary good, we open ourselves to the transformative work God is doing within us. [24:30]
Lamentations 3:25-26 (ESV): "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective on a current situation where you are waiting, and see it as an opportunity for God to work in you?
Day 3: Revelation in the Wait
God uses waiting to reveal who He is and how He works. The stories of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2 illustrate that waiting can be a time of revelation, where God unveils His plans and purposes. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. His story teaches us to be attentive and open to the Holy Spirit's leading, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [34:00]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, trusting that God will reveal His plans in His timing?
Day 4: Refinement and Readiness
Waiting refines our character, making us more like Christ. It prepares us to receive His blessings and equips us to bless others. In the waiting, we become the kind of people who can recognize and respond to God's work in our lives. This process of refinement is not always easy, but it is necessary for our spiritual growth and readiness to fulfill God's purposes. By embracing the waiting, we allow God to shape us into vessels of His love and grace. [38:49]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area of your character that God might be refining during this season of waiting, and how can you cooperate with His work?
Day 5: Redemption of the Past
God redeems our waiting, using our past experiences to minister to others. Like Anna, who spent her life in worship and prayer, we are called to worship in the wait, allowing God to transform our past into a testimony of His faithfulness and grace. Our experiences, even those marked by waiting, can become powerful tools for encouraging and uplifting others. By embracing our journey and sharing our stories, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world. [52:18]
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: How can you use a past experience of waiting to encourage someone else today, sharing how God has been faithful in your journey?
Quotes
In the Psalms, Psalm chapter 1, it says, blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Pay attention to this part. Verse 3. It's like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. That's what we're about. When we say we want to be a church that helps people connect with Jesus and lives their life, we want to live our life fully connected, not just a little bit, not just on Sunday morning, but like not just one bar of connection, but like fully connected. To the max. We want to experience the fullness of life in Jesus. But in order to do that, and in order to not wither, right, when things get hard, or when there's challenges that come up into our life, we need to develop deep roots that can draw on, connect with who Jesus is. We can just encounter and experience his love and draw on the resources of his love and his mercy and his grace, which is actually power and strength. [00:00:47] (67 seconds)
We spend time We spend money even When it comes to airline travel Right? You don't have to wait in that long line That people get up an hour early for Just to stand in If you could spend a little bit of money We go to theme parks, right? Spend a little bit more money And you won't have to wait We want to fast pass it We want to fast pass our life Waiting is seen as this necessary evil Something that we all kind of have to do Have to put up with And if we could not do it Then we wouldn't But What if Waiting is not a necessary evil But a needed good What if it's a needed good? What if the wait itself is a gift? We want the fast pass for life But what if We end up skipping over the very things That are worth waiting for And missing the best things Because we don't want to wait Like a good bourbon or a fine wine Or as Diana Ross said You can't hurry love Okay? You cannot hurry love I'm hitting all the generations today Hitting them all We don't want to wait But what if The best things in life Don't just take time But time itself Is what makes them The best things That's where we're going to be going today What if the peace in the waiting Is one of those good gifts That God actually has for us I've been thinking about this a lot Because there's some stuff going on in my life As all of us And I'm like How do I approach this? Where is the pathway to peace in this situation? How do I get there? Is it acceptable? Do I just have to go Well, well It is what it is There's nothing I can really do So I just have to Make my peace with it Right? [00:26:22] (104 seconds)
Peace is not something that we make But something that God makes And this time of year Christmas Christmas This Advent season In this season of waiting It's a recognition that God has begun something in Jesus That we're waiting for the completion of Jesus has come He's promised to come again His kingdom has come It's going to come more fully He's started a work in you It's going to be fully realized someday And so we look back and say Gosh, Jesus came But we also look forward and say We're in the waiting We're in the waiting for something more Something better And Jesus is described As this Prince of Peace God making peace With us We get to live at peace Because of Jesus The Prince of Peace Who promised to give His peace That's not like any other peace in the world That's John 14 Jesus, the Prince of Peace Promised to give His peace In every circumstance Second Thessalonians Jesus, the Prince of Peace [00:28:19] (62 seconds)
God uses waiting to reveal who he is and how he works. In Luke 2, verse 26, it says that it had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. It had been revealed to him. Revealed. I want to camp out on that word. Revealed. There is a sense, a connotation with reveal that says that there are things that are beyond our control. So much of waiting, right, is because of things that are beyond our control. We can't do it for ourselves. All we can do is wait. We want to control. We want to do. We want to act, but all we can do is wait until something more is revealed. Something more. It makes us dependent. It makes us reliant. That word revealed means that there's something that is hidden to us, that is outside of us, that is beyond us, that actually needs to be revealed to us. We can't see it on our own. We can't do it on our own. We need someone else or something else to reveal it to us. [00:34:23] (75 seconds)
And in the ups and downs of life, you know, like, hey, those can be thrilling, those can be terrifying, those can be sickening, okay? But there's goodness that happens in the wait, and the greatest good is actually the relationship that develops. That is where God wants us to be, right by his side, depending on him, relying on him, enduring maybe some long lines, but developing this place of rest, this place of character, this trust in him as we follow him one step at a time. We come to know him more, come to love him more, trust him, rely on him even more. In the waiting, God is actually wanting to reveal things to us about who he is and how he works that we would not necessarily take the time or have the attention to lean into and hear and learn in the ups and downs of life. There's goodness in the waiting. God is revealing who he is and how he works. There's goodness in the waiting. God is revealing who he is and how he works. Here's the second thing that God does in the wait. [00:37:42] (64 seconds)
We become entitled when we just get everything that we want right when we want it, and God is saying, I want you to know me, number one. I want you, I want to reveal to you who I am, but I also want to do something in you. I want you to develop character and become the kind of person that is righteous, that is devout, that is filled with my spirit, that can wait well. We need to be, we need to wait to become the kind of person that can receive. God is refining our character, refining who we are, and sometimes, sometimes you don't want to wait. Most times, we don't want to wait, but other times, let me promise you, you want to wait. You want to wait because you don't want what you'll get if you don't, okay? You want to wait. I think about, you know, we're on the kids thing, a pop quiz, right? Oh, today is test day, and you're not ready. You want to wait. You want that thing pushed back, right? A little bit further, a little bit more time. I think about on another level, though. I mean, I met my wife, Gwen, in high school. We became friends. [00:40:52] (71 seconds)
God is doing something in our character, in the way that we wouldn't have if we didn't. In fact, Malachi, the book of Malachi, in this waiting period, right at the end, Malachi chapter 3 says, behold, God says, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight. Behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts, but who can endure the day of his coming? Like, there are some things that if Jesus comes back now, are we ready? Are you ready? Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. There are some things that are happening in your life right now that are for the purpose of refining your character, and it is for your good that the day of the Lord is not right now. [00:42:48] (63 seconds)
Simeon was not just waiting. On this day, when Jesus is brought to him, he came in the spirit, ready to receive Jesus, ready to bless God. That's what Luke chapter 2, verse 27 to 32 actually says, when it says this, Simeon came in the spirit into the temple. He came in the spirit into the temple. He didn't come into the temple, and then get in the spirit. Oh, I'm not, I'm not feeling it today. I need to go to church. I need some church, y 'all. No, he came in the spirit already. He's a man that waits. He's righteous. He's devout. He's full of the Holy Spirit, and then he comes into the temple ready to receive Jesus. This is like a vision. This is a dream of mine, that we, We would be a church that gathers not only to receive Jesus, not only to receive blessing from God, although that is good and we're all going to need that sometime, but that we would be Simeons waiting on God, righteous and devout, full of the Holy Spirit. And when we gather together in the church, we are actually in the Spirit already. Like, we come ready. Let's go. God, what do you have for me? I'm ready to receive Jesus. I'm ready for more. Whatever you got, bring it on, God. I'm here. Here I am. I want to say yes to whatever your invitation is. And part of how I'm going to do that is I'm going to bless. [00:46:21] (84 seconds)
Luke chapter 2, verse 36 and 38, we actually pivot to another woman. Her name is Anna. It says, there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eight. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming upon that very hour, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. I think it's arguable that Anna has spent her life waiting. She's very, very practiced at waiting. And some, I know there are some among us that wish that God would have done something in our life, even that we would have known him earlier. And we said, man, all that wasted time waiting. No. God actually redeems the wait. He redeems our past. Anna had spent her life waiting. It specifically notes, she's a virgin. [00:51:09] (69 seconds)
What if the things that you've done in this waiting time, the places that you've been, even the things that maybe are coming to mind right now, you're like, man, that's a regret. I feel ashamed of that. I wish I would have done that differently. Perhaps in that waiting time lies a gift that God wants to use in your life, to redeem in your life, to minister and bless out of the wait to those who are still waiting. That's a gift. It's something that God is doing in the wait. So here's the challenge. [00:53:18] (34 seconds)
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