“But really the worst kind of waiting there is comes when you or I have to wait on God.”- Dr. Tony Evans
“How long, O LORD, will I call for help, and You will not hear.”- Habakkuk 1:2 (NASB)
In Chapter 15 (“The Patience of Detours”) of Detours , Dr. Tony Evans states that, although patience is a virtue, we find it difficult to come by. Yet, while all kinds of earthly waiting inconvenience us, the worst kind of waiting comes when we wait on God.
Dr. Evans describes what happens when, despite our prayers and worship, nothing seems to change. We still feel empty and stuck. Thus, Tony gives voice to our feelings:
“Sometimes it seems that God takes so long that you can begin to wonder if believing in Him is even reasonable. You begin to wonder if it’s even worth the effort. What’s the upside to this thing called faith, God? . . . After a while you begin to feel that the relationship is too one-sided. Then, when things get even worse, you may even consider pulling back. Withholding worship, prayer, devotion — because it just doesn’t make sense anymore.”
As a result, we cry out to the Lord like Habakkuk. However, over and over again, the Bible instructs us to wait on the Lord:
“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the LORD more than the watchmen watch for the morning. Indeed, more than the watchmen watch for the morning.”- Psalm 130:5-6 (NASB)
In conclusion, to dissipate doubt and dissolve despair, Dr. Evans states that we need to wait with:
- anticipation
- hope
- longing
- expectation
- desire
- faith and obedience
Today’s question: For you, what defines the worst kind of waiting? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Learning to wait well- living as a child of God”
