In Touch - July 12, 2006
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- 2006 Jul 12
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Wednesday July 12, 2006
The Requirements of Waiting
Waiting on the Lord sounds easy. After all, we only have to pray and listen for
His answer, right?
The truth is that believers who desperately want to see a need met often find the process nearly unbearable. The next time God tells you to wait, remember these four requirements for keeping a steady vigil until He says, “Now go forward.”
Believers must have faith, trusting in God even without knowing when or how He will resolve a situation. And faith cannot function without humility. We must submit to the Lord with the recognition that there is nothing we can do except pause until further instructions come. Believers are far safer in this voluntarily helpless condition than in trying to figure out their own solution. As soon as we begin to manipulate our circumstances — which is a demonstration of prideful reliance on self — we subvert the Master’s plan.
The moment we realize that we could save ourselves pain or stress through some action that is not of God, we need patience, which is not an inborn trait. It is a decision to remain calm and quiet in a difficult situation.
We will never make the choice to exercise patience unless we have courage. Friends and colleagues will freely offer advice about our situation. We must bravely wait when others say it is time to move. Fear of criticism is often the catalyst for believers to get out of God’s will.
Praying when we would rather be doing is hard. But we must be ready to hold steady faithfully, humbly, patiently, and courageously when God says, “Wait.”
As we celebrate our freedom this month, let us remember the roots from which our country was established. Dr. Stanley teaches in America at the Crossroads, that while a Christian's ultimate citizenship is in heaven, followers of Christ must help guide our nation back onto a godly course before it's too late. Order your copy here.
Summer Renewal Kit
Have you found yourself so busy with life that you are missing the little moments when God would like to meet with you? Let the Summer Renewal Kit help you slow down... You will be surprised how these little moments with God can renew, recharge, and refresh your spirit! Order your Summer Renewal Kit here.
Free online resource - Learn & Grow!
You are a unique individual specially designed by God. Are you enjoying true freedom in Christ? Log on to www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com and learn how you can live for God while still allowing your personality to shine through. Dr. Stanley’s free lessons include Your Identity in Christ, Knowing God, and Life in the Spirit.
