What to Do When We Are WaitingSample

Perseverance in Prayer: Seeking God in the Wait

When we find ourselves waiting in the sacred pauses of life, there is a rich opportunity to see our fifth observation: reflection and understanding. This truth comes to life in the actions of the early church as they waited in Jerusalem. During these pivotal ten days, they deeply understood their past and sought direction for their future, guided by Scripture.

Acts 1:15-20 paints a vivid picture of this reflective period. Standing among about 120 followers, Peter delved into the Scriptures to make sense of the tumultuous events they had witnessed, particularly concerning Judas. “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas,” Peter explained. This reflection wasn’t merely a recounting of events; it was a quest to understand them within the framework of God’s sovereignty.

Peter’s reflections brought clarity to Judas’ bewildering defection. He emphasized that Judas’ betrayal was a fulfillment of divine prophecy, yet a tragedy of wasted opportunity. “He was counted among us and received his portion in this ministry,” Peter noted, highlighting the stark contrast between Judas’ physical closeness to Jesus and his spiritual distance. This period of reflection allowed the apostles to see Judas’ story as a poignant reminder of the intersection of God’s plan and human responsibility.

In verse 20, Peter cites Psalms to explain the necessity of choosing a successor for Judas. This shows how the apostles used Scripture not only to understand the past but also to guide their future actions. “For it is written in the book of Psalms, let his homestead be made desolate and let no man dwell in it, and his office let another man take.” Their study of God’s Word was a compass for their journey ahead.

This narrative encourages us to view waiting periods as invaluable for spiritual growth and learning. Times, when we feel stagnant or directionless, can become the richest periods of advancement in our spiritual lives. God uses these times to deepen our understanding, drawing us closer to Him and His Word. As we reflect on our past experiences and seek guidance for the future, we can gain insights that profoundly shape our walk with God.

May you embrace waiting periods as times to delve into Scripture and seek to comprehend God’s workings in your life. Remember, the times when you feel like you are going nowhere may be the times when God is preparing you for something greater. Let this waiting be a period of deepening insight and growing wisdom in your journey with God.