Waiting on God: Trust, Action, and Expectancy

In our journey of faith, understanding how to wait on God is crucial. Isaiah 64:1-4 reminds us that God works for those who wait for Him, not just in the general sense of providing for all creation, but in a special way for those who actively wait on Him. This waiting is not passive; it involves a deep reliance on God’s guidance and timing. The people of Israel faced the temptation to seek help from Egypt rather than waiting on God, illustrating the human tendency to rely on immediate, tangible solutions rather than divine intervention.

Waiting on God begins with prayer. Before taking any action, we must seek God’s counsel, asking for His guidance in our decisions. This is akin to consulting a doctor before taking any medication. Prayer is the first act of waiting, a reminder to pause and seek divine wisdom before proceeding with our plans.

There are different forms of waiting. Sometimes, God calls us to be still, to rest in His promises and trust that He will act on our behalf. This can be challenging, especially when we feel the urge to act. Yet, as Moses told the Israelites at the Red Sea, sometimes we need to stand firm and watch God’s salvation unfold.

At other times, God instructs us to act, but even in action, we must maintain a spirit of waiting. This means carrying a sense of expectancy and reliance on God’s power, knowing that the ultimate victory comes from Him. Proverbs 21:31 reminds us that while we prepare for battle, the victory belongs to the Lord. Our efforts, though necessary, are not the source of success; God is.

In all circumstances, whether we are called to rest or to act, we must cultivate a spirit of expectancy and reliance on God. Our labor, no matter how diligent, is ultimately in God’s hands. He delights in working for those who wait for Him, ensuring that He receives the glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Prayer as the First Act of Waiting: Before taking any action, seek God’s counsel through prayer. This initial step of waiting aligns our hearts with God’s will and opens us to His guidance. [02:58]
• 2. Being Still in Trust: Sometimes, God calls us to rest and trust in His promises. This form of waiting requires faith, as we resist the urge to act and instead watch for God’s intervention. [06:08]
• 3. Active Waiting with Expectancy: Even when God instructs us to act, we must maintain a spirit of waiting, trusting that the ultimate outcome is in His hands. Our efforts are important, but God’s power is decisive. [08:25]
• 4. Balancing Action and Reliance: In our work and efforts, we must balance action with reliance on God. This means acknowledging that while we prepare and act, the final result is determined by God. [10:19]
• 5. God’s Glory in Our Waiting: Whether we are called to rest or act, our waiting glorifies God. It demonstrates our trust in His sovereignty and our belief that He works for those who wait for Him. [12:04]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to Waiting on God
• [00:28] - God's Work for All vs. Special Grace
• [01:15] - The Essence of Waiting
• [02:01] - The Temptation to Seek Human Help
• [02:58] - Prayer as the First Act of Waiting
• [04:10] - Consulting God Before Acting
• [04:51] - Being Still and Trusting God
• [06:28] - Active Waiting and Obedience
• [07:41] - Spirit of Expectancy in Action
• [08:51] - Reliance on God in Our Efforts
• [10:19] - Balancing Action and Waiting
• [11:02] - God’s Glory in Our Waiting
• [12:19] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

1. According to Isaiah 64:1-4, what distinguishes the way God works for those who wait for Him compared to His general provision for all creation?
2. In Isaiah 31:1, what specific actions are the people of Israel tempted to take instead of waiting on God, and why is this significant? [02:31]
3. How does Proverbs 21:31 illustrate the balance between human preparation and reliance on God for victory? [08:10]

1. What does it mean to "wait on God" in the context of Isaiah 64:1-4, and how does this waiting differ from passivity? [01:45]
2. How does the temptation to seek help from Egypt in Isaiah 31:1 reflect a broader human tendency to rely on immediate solutions rather than divine intervention? [02:19]
3. In what ways does Proverbs 21:31 challenge the notion that human effort alone can secure success, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about active waiting? [08:25]

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's counsel through prayer before acting, or did you rely on your own understanding? How might this change in the future? [02:58]
2. Consider a situation where you feel the urge to act immediately. How can you practice being still and trusting in God's promises instead of rushing into action? [06:08]
3. When God calls you to act, how can you maintain a spirit of expectancy and reliance on His power rather than solely on your efforts? [08:25]
4. Think of a time when you prepared diligently for a task. How did you balance your preparation with reliance on God for the outcome? What might you do differently next time? [10:19]
5. In what areas of your life do you struggle to wait on God, and how can you cultivate a spirit of expectancy and reliance on Him in those areas? [12:04]
6. How can you ensure that your waiting on God glorifies Him and demonstrates your trust in His sovereignty? [12:04]
7. Identify a specific area where you are tempted to seek immediate, tangible solutions. How can you shift your focus to waiting on God's timing and intervention? [02:19]