Trusting God's Timing in Our Waiting

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we often encounter the challenge of waiting on God's promises. Introducing our own efforts, or the "flesh," into God's divine plan can lead to delays. This is because God desires for us to rely solely on Him to meet our needs. Waiting is inherently difficult, and the uncertainty of how long we must wait can be even more trying. However, this period of waiting is not without purpose. God uses these times to demonstrate His power and to remind us of His sovereignty. He poses the question, both in the Old and New Testaments, "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" This rhetorical question serves to reinforce our understanding that nothing is beyond God's capability.

God places us in situations where His promises seem to contradict our current reality. This is intentional, as it ensures that when the promise is fulfilled, it is clear that it was by His hand alone. The glory belongs to God, and He orchestrates events in such a way that His power and majesty are undeniable. Our task is to trust in His timing and to resist the urge to take matters into our own hands. By doing so, we allow God to work in our lives in ways that are beyond our comprehension, ultimately leading to a deeper faith and a more profound understanding of His nature.

Key Takeaways:

- Waiting on God is a test of faith that requires us to resist the temptation to act outside of His will. By introducing our own efforts, we risk delaying the fulfillment of His promises. Trusting in God's timing is crucial, as it allows Him to work in ways that are beyond our understanding. [00:13]

- The pain of waiting is compounded by the uncertainty of not knowing how long it will last. However, this period of waiting is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. It is a reminder that His ways are higher than ours. [00:26]

- God's question, "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" challenges us to reflect on His omnipotence. It serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond His control, and that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [00:47]

- Situations where God's promises don't align with our current reality are designed to ensure that He receives the glory. When the promise is fulfilled, it is evident that it was by His hand alone, reinforcing our faith in His sovereignty. [00:47]

- Trusting in God's plan requires patience and a willingness to surrender our own desires. By doing so, we allow God to work in our lives in ways that lead to a deeper understanding of His nature and a stronger faith. [00:47]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - The Challenge of Waiting
[00:26] - The Pain of Uncertainty
[00:47] - God's Power and Promises
[00:47] - Trusting in God's Timing
[00:47] - The Glory Belongs to God
[00:47] - Surrendering Our Desires
[00:47] - Deepening Our Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 18:14 - "Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son."
2. Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?"
3. Luke 1:37 - "For nothing will be impossible with God."

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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest happens when we introduce our own efforts into God's promises? ([00:13])
2. How does the sermon describe the experience of waiting on God's promises? ([00:26])
3. What rhetorical question does God pose in both the Old and New Testaments, according to the sermon? ([00:47])
4. Why does the sermon say God places us in situations where His promises seem to contradict our reality? ([00:47])

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the question "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" challenge a believer's understanding of God's power and sovereignty? ([00:47])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting on God can deepen one's faith and understanding of His nature? ([00:47])
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's timing and His glory? ([00:47])
4. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of trusting God's plan? ([00:13])

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to take control of a situation instead of waiting on God. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it? ([00:13])
2. How can you remind yourself of God's omnipotence when faced with situations that seem impossible? ([00:47])
3. What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled in your life? ([00:26])
4. Identify a current situation where God's promises seem to contradict your reality. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power? ([00:47])
5. How can you ensure that God receives the glory in your life, especially in situations where His promises are fulfilled? ([00:47])
6. What specific desires or plans do you need to surrender to God to allow Him to work in your life? ([00:47])
7. How can you support others in your community who are struggling with waiting on God's promises? What role can you play in encouraging their faith? ([00:26])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing
In our journey of faith, we often face the challenge of waiting on God's promises. This waiting period is a test of faith, requiring us to resist the temptation to act outside of His will. When we introduce our own efforts, we risk delaying the fulfillment of His promises. Trusting in God's timing is crucial, as it allows Him to work in ways that are beyond our understanding. By surrendering our impatience and trusting in His divine plan, we open ourselves to experiencing His power and faithfulness in our lives. [00:13]

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: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to wait on God's timing? How can you actively choose to trust Him in this situation today?


Day 2: Embracing the Pain of Uncertainty
The pain of waiting is often compounded by the uncertainty of not knowing how long it will last. However, this period of waiting is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. It is a reminder that His ways are higher than ours, and that He is in control even when we cannot see the full picture. Embracing this uncertainty with faith allows us to grow in our trust and reliance on God, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [00:26]

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: How can you find peace in the uncertainty of your current situation, trusting that God is at work even when you cannot see it?


Day 3: Reflecting on God's Omnipotence
God's question, "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" challenges us to reflect on His omnipotence. This rhetorical question serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond His control, and that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. By meditating on God's limitless power, we can find reassurance and hope in the midst of our struggles, knowing that He is more than capable of handling any challenge we face. [00:47]

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."

Reflection: What is one situation in your life that seems impossible? How can you remind yourself of God's omnipotence and trust Him to handle it?


Day 4: Recognizing God's Glory in Fulfilled Promises
Situations where God's promises don't align with our current reality are designed to ensure that He receives the glory. When the promise is fulfilled, it is evident that it was by His hand alone, reinforcing our faith in His sovereignty. By recognizing God's glory in the fulfillment of His promises, we can deepen our faith and grow in our understanding of His nature. This perspective shift allows us to see our circumstances as opportunities for God to reveal His power and majesty. [00:47]

Psalm 115:1 (ESV): "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"

Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see your current challenges as opportunities for God to reveal His glory?


Day 5: Surrendering Our Desires to Deepen Faith
Trusting in God's plan requires patience and a willingness to surrender our own desires. By doing so, we allow God to work in our lives in ways that lead to a deeper understanding of His nature and a stronger faith. Surrendering our desires is not easy, but it is a necessary step in our spiritual growth. As we let go of our own plans and trust in God's perfect will, we open ourselves to experiencing His peace and guidance in our lives. [00:47]

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 desire or plan you need to surrender to God today? How can this act of surrender lead to a deeper faith and trust in Him?

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Transcript
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