God Is Working in the Waiting - Your Nightly Prayer - January 19th
Your Nightly Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com
God Is Working in the Waiting
Your Nightly Prayer
Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." - Lamentations 3:25
SOMETHING TO PONDER
I don't think that anyone truly likes to wait, right? Whether it's in traffic, in the drive-through line, or for test results from a doctor. But you know what? Waiting is an essential and non-optional part of life. Though we don't enjoy it, we know that it does produce perseverance, patient endurance, and spiritual growth.
The cool thing about waiting (yes, it does exist) is that God doesn't have us wait for nothing. When things aren't coming to fruition as quickly as we'd like or desire, we must recall to mind 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
While this verse explains God's patience with humanity and desiring all to come to Christ before He comes back, it also reminds us that when we put our faith, trust, and hope in the Lord, we will not be disappointed. God is good to His children, those who trust Him and hope with all that they have left.
Trusting in God in the waiting is painful. Often excruciating at times, but we know that God rewards those who faithfully seek Him. And in due season, we will reap a bountiful harvest if we do not give up. Though challenging, it's possible to find peace in God's presence, even while waiting for answers or change. The key is in resting in His plans for your life over your own.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear God,
Waiting is so difficult. Especially when we're waiting for things that align with our will, we can easily grow weary and discouraged. In these seasons, please give us patient endurance to press on with hope. Remind us that you have our best interests at heart, and that the waiting isn't for nothing. Lift us, help us to look to you, and fill our cups. Provide your peace that surpasses all understanding and enable us to rest faithfully in you. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Are you in a season of waiting? Talk to God in prayer or through journaling about how this makes you feel. Then, ask Him to reveal to you what you're learning in this season.
2. Think back to another season of waiting. It could be for a spouse, the answer to a steadfast prayer, or a dream job. Then, recall how God answered, and celebrate His faithfulness. Memorize Lamentations 3:25, and recite it when you grow weary of waiting.
3. Reach out to a friend who is in a waiting season and encourage them. Pray with them, and spend time sharing God's faithfulness in both of your lives.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Aleksandra Sapozhnikova
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
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