Embracing the Purpose of Waiting in Faith
Summary
Waiting is something most of us try to avoid. We live in a world of instant gratification, where technology and convenience have conditioned us to expect everything now. Yet, in the story of Acts 1, the disciples found themselves in a season of waiting—a purposeful pause between the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Instead of rushing ahead or filling the time with distractions, they devoted themselves to prayer, gathering together and seeking God’s presence. This waiting was not wasted time; it was a season of preparation, a time for God to shape their hearts and ready them for what was next.
In our own lives, we often see waiting as a waste or a source of anxiety. But what if we began to see these in-between moments as opportunities to draw closer to God? The disciples’ example teaches us that the most productive thing we can do in seasons of waiting is to pray—constantly, persistently, and together. Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline; it is the means by which we align ourselves with God’s will, open our eyes to what He is doing around us, and prepare our hearts for His movement.
Waiting also exposes our dependence—are we relying on our own plans, traditions, and routines, or are we truly dependent on God? It is tempting to try to fabricate a movement of God, to organize events and activities and ask God to bless them. But true spiritual movement cannot be manufactured; it is the work of the Holy Spirit, and it comes in God’s perfect timing. Our role is to be ready: to be prayed up, studied up, and surrendered, so that when God moves, we are prepared to move with Him.
During these holding patterns, we are called to get closer to God, to pray more deeply, to dive into His Word, and to love and serve others. These are not just ways to pass the time—they are the very means by which God prepares us for what He wants to do next. When God shows up, it is always at the right time, in the right way, and for His perfect purpose. Our challenge is to trust Him in the waiting, to seek His face, and to be ready for the moment when He moves.
Key Takeaways
- Waiting is a Purposeful Pause, Not Wasted Time
God often calls us into seasons of waiting, not to frustrate us, but to prepare us. These pauses are opportunities for God to shape our character, deepen our dependence, and ready us for what He has planned. Instead of seeing waiting as a waste, we can embrace it as a sacred space for growth and preparation. [04:01]
- Prayer is the Most Productive Response in the In-Between
The disciples responded to their waiting by gathering together in constant prayer. Prayer is not a last resort or a filler activity; it is the primary way we align ourselves with God’s will and invite His presence into our circumstances. In every waiting room of life—whether literal or figurative—we are invited to turn our attention to God and seek Him earnestly. [07:25]
- Seasons of Waiting Reveal What’s Missing and What Needs Attention
As the disciples prayed, they became aware of what was lacking among them and sought God’s guidance to address it. Waiting can be a time when God opens our eyes to areas in our lives, our church, or our relationships that need healing, order, or repentance. If we are attentive in prayer, God will show us what needs to be tended to before He moves us forward. [13:39]
- We Cannot Fabricate a Movement of God—We Must Be Ready for His Timing
It is tempting to try to manufacture spiritual results through our own efforts, traditions, or routines. But true revival and spiritual movement come only from the Holy Spirit, in God’s timing and by His initiative. Our responsibility is to be prepared—prayed up, studied up, and surrendered—so that when God moves, we are ready to move with Him. [17:14]
- In the Waiting, Draw Closer to God and Serve Others
Seasons of waiting are invitations to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship. They are also opportunities to love and serve those around us, living out the greatest commandments. By focusing on these fundamentals, we position ourselves to be used by God when His perfect timing arrives. [28:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Our Culture of Instant Gratification
[02:44] - Redefining Waiting: A Purposeful Pause
[04:01] - The Disciples’ Example: Waiting in Prayer
[05:16] - The Call to Be People of Prayer
[06:21] - What to Do in the Holding Pattern
[07:25] - Taking Advantage of In-Between Moments
[09:15] - Getting Alone with God
[10:13] - Don’t Wait for Crisis to Pray
[11:19] - Everyday Opportunities for Prayer
[12:29] - Waiting Prepares Us for What’s Next
[13:39] - Recognizing What’s Missing in Prayer
[17:14] - We Cannot Fabricate a Move of God
[18:38] - The Purposes of Waiting
[21:23] - Trusting God’s Perfect Timing
[23:12] - God Shows Up When We’re Ready
[25:32] - The Danger of Rushing Ahead
[28:43] - Practical Steps in the Waiting
[31:57] - Loving and Serving in the In-Between
[33:07] - Relying on God in Every Season
[33:53] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Wait"
---
### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:12-14, 21-26
(The disciples return to Jerusalem, gather in the upper room, and devote themselves to constant prayer as they wait for the Holy Spirit.)
- Matthew 6:5-6
(Jesus teaches about prayer: "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen...")
- Isaiah 40:31
("But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength...")
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 1:12-14, what did the disciples do together while they waited in Jerusalem?
*(Hint: Look for what they devoted themselves to during this time.)*
2. According to the sermon, what is meant by a "purposeful pause" in the context of waiting?
[[04:01]]
3. In Matthew 6:5-6, what instructions does Jesus give about how and where to pray?
*(What does Jesus expect his followers to do?)*
4. What did the disciples notice was missing among them during their time of prayer and waiting?
[[13:39]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples chose to spend their waiting period in constant prayer rather than filling the time with other activities?
[[05:16]]
2. The sermon describes waiting as a time for God to shape our hearts and prepare us for what’s next. How might waiting reveal areas in our lives that need attention or change?
[[13:39]]
3. What does it mean that "we cannot fabricate a movement of God"? How does this challenge our usual approach to planning and organizing in church or personal life?
[[17:14]]
4. According to Isaiah 40:31 and the sermon, what are some of the benefits or outcomes of waiting on the Lord?
[[19:39]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions that we live in a culture of instant gratification and often see waiting as wasted time. Can you think of a recent situation where you were forced to wait? How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to use that time as a "purposeful pause"?
[[02:44]]
2. The disciples devoted themselves to prayer during their waiting. What are some practical ways you can incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily "in-between" moments (like waiting in line, at appointments, etc.)?
[[11:19]]
3. The sermon challenges us to ask God to reveal what’s missing or needs attention in our lives during seasons of waiting. Is there an area in your life, relationships, or church involvement that you sense God might be highlighting for you to address?
[[13:39]]
4. Have you ever tried to "fabricate" a spiritual movement or outcome in your life or ministry—by organizing, planning, or pushing ahead—without waiting for God’s timing? What was the result, and what did you learn from it?
[[17:14]]
5. The pastor encouraged getting closer to God through prayer, reading Scripture, worship, and fellowship during waiting seasons. Which of these do you find most challenging, and what is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?
[[28:43]]
6. The sermon says that waiting is a time to love and serve others. Who is someone in your life you could intentionally serve or encourage while you are in a season of waiting? What might that look like?
[[31:57]]
7. Trusting God’s timing can be difficult, especially when we want answers now. Is there a specific area where you are struggling to trust God’s timing? How can the group pray for you or support you in this?
[[21:23]]
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for patience, deeper dependence on God, and readiness for when He moves. Ask God to help each person use their waiting seasons as opportunities for growth, prayer, and service.
Devotional
Day 1: Waiting as a Purposeful Pause
Waiting is not wasted time but a purposeful pause where God shapes and prepares us for what’s next. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, it’s easy to see waiting as frustrating or pointless. Yet, God often uses these in-between moments to refine our character, deepen our dependence on Him, and ready us for the next step in His plan. Instead of rushing ahead or filling every pause with distractions, consider how God might be inviting you to slow down, listen, and let Him work in your heart during the waiting. [04:01]
Acts 1:12-14 (ESV)
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most impatient right now, and how might God be inviting you to see this waiting as a purposeful pause for your growth?
Day 2: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Persistent, constant prayer is the believer’s greatest resource during seasons of waiting and uncertainty. The early disciples, instead of filling their time with distractions or anxiety, devoted themselves to prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance together. Prayer is not just a last resort in crisis but a daily discipline that fuels our faith, aligns our hearts with God’s will, and prepares us for what He wants to do. Whether you’re in a waiting room, at a stoplight, or in a quiet moment at home, use those pauses to connect with God, trusting that He hears and responds. [07:25]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Reflection: What is one specific “in-between” moment today when you can intentionally choose prayer over distraction?
Day 3: Waiting Prepares Us for God’s Next Move
Seasons of waiting are God’s way of preparing us for what He will do next—building endurance, deepening faith, and aligning our hearts with His purposes. The disciples’ time in the upper room was not idle; it was a time of spiritual preparation, repentance, and unity. God often uses waiting to reveal what is missing in our lives or communities, to call us to repentance, and to ready us for His movement. Rather than trying to fabricate results or rush ahead, trust that God is working in the unseen, and let Him prepare you for the moment when He moves. [21:23]
James 1:3-4 (ESV)
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: How can you use this current season of waiting to allow God to prepare your heart and life for what He wants to do next?
Day 4: Relying on God’s Perfect Timing
God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t match our own desires or expectations. The story of Pentecost reminds us that God shows up at just the right moment, not a second too soon or too late. Our challenge is to surrender control, resist the urge to rush ahead, and trust that God’s plan is better than anything we could orchestrate. When we let God lead, He brings about results that are lasting and unmistakably His. Rest in the assurance that when God moves, it will be good, and it will be right on time. [23:12]
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Reflection: Where do you need to let go of your own timetable and trust God’s perfect timing in your life?
Day 5: Drawing Closer to God in the Waiting
In seasons of waiting, the call is to draw closer to God—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and loving others. These are not just spiritual disciplines but lifelines that keep us anchored and ready for the Spirit’s movement. Use the waiting to deepen your relationship with God: read and memorize His Word, pray with greater intensity, worship with sincerity, and serve those around you. As you do, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart prepared for whatever God has in store. [28:43]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally draw closer to God while you wait?
Quotes
We can't fabricate God. It doesn't matter what music is being sung. It doesn't matter what translation of scripture. It doesn't matter how you dress. It doesn't matter what type of activity or event you try to throw on. You can't fabricate a movement and tell God, this is what we're doing, now bless it. When God's ready to move, God is going to move. We have to put ourselves in position to be willing to move with him. [00:17:45]
God shows up. He showed up as they were together. He showed up as they were praying. He showed up as they got themselves in order. God showed up just as Jesus said that he would because he had a plan. And it's his plan. Sure, it might be when we least expect it, but it's still at the right time. It might not be in the time frame you and I wanted to be in, but it is still the right time. It might not even be in the way that you wanted or the way that you were praying or the way that you requested it, but it was perfect. When God shows up, it will always be good. And we rely on that. We rest in that truth. [00:23:29] (50 seconds)
If we want to see the Spirit move, then we need to be praying for the Spirit to move. Pray that He stirs hearts, even your own. Pray that He opens doors, pray that He convicts, pray that He challenges our traditions, and if they've gotten in the way, pray that the Holy Spirit knocks down those barriers. As I said, pray as if your life depends on it. [00:30:31] (37 seconds)
One of the most challenging aspects of our faith is relying on God's timetable. Because we want to be at the well. You've heard me say it before. I despise the bumper stickers or the statement that says that God is my co -pilot. If there's anything, the challenge of Scripture is to make God the pilot and yourself the co -pilot. Put yourself, maybe not even as a co -pilot, in the back seat and let God drive. And keep your mouth shut. No back seat drivers when God is driving. Amen? [00:22:34] (35 seconds)
We can try to fabricate a movement of God, but until He grips our hearts, it's only going to be momentary. The result will seem forced, desperate. It will end in frustration. And we're wondering why. We put all this money towards this. We had a great event organized. Why didn't God bless it? Maybe it was because God didn't initiate it. [00:26:20] (36 seconds)
If you find yourself in a holding pattern, if you find yourself in a moment where you are forced to wait, get closer to God. Pull out your Bible and read it, friends. Get a devotional written by someone that you see and know that this person was a man of God. Pull that open. Let him convict you. Start reading the epistles. Get into 1 John. Start reading it every day. Why not memorize it? Why not put Scripture to memory? Outside of John 3 .16, how many verses do you have memorized? Put God's Word into your mind. Read it. Quote it. Memorize it. If you're in a period of waiting, open up that Bible app and read. Talk to God more than you have been. [00:28:46] (66 seconds)
If you find yourself in a holding pattern, if you find yourself in a moment where you are forced to wait, get closer to God. Pull out your Bible and read it, friends. Get a devotional written by someone that you see and know that this person was a man of God. Pull that open. Let him convict you. Start reading the epistles. Get into 1 John. Start reading it every day. Why not memorize it? Why not put Scripture to memory? Outside of John 3 .16, how many verses do you have memorized? Put God’s Word into your mind. Read it. Quote it. Memorize it. If you’re in a period of waiting, open up that Bible app and read. Talk to God more than you have been. [00:28:46] (66 seconds)
When we're waiting, how are we taking advantage of it? Through the minutes, the hours, the days, the weeks, the months, or the years that it takes. What are we doing in this season? Seek his face. Get to know God more. Pray. Trust. And then as we get to that moment when the Holy Spirit arrives, be ready. [00:33:07] (38 seconds)
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