May 30, What more can be said of waiting?

So, what more can be said of waiting?

Eugene Peterson offers a rather simple yet stirring emphasis on waiting in prayer:
In prayer, we are aware that God is in action and that when the circumstances are ready, when others are in the right place, and when our hearts are prepared, he will call us into the action. Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts.[1] 

Waiting can also be an effective school master: 
Second only to suffering, waiting may be the greatest teacher and trainer in godliness, maturity, and genuine spirituality most of us ever encounter.[2]

In his sermon, “Waiting on God,” John Ortberg explained that waiting is difficult, but has a promise:
Waiting is the hardest work of hope. When we turn to the Bible, God himself, God who is all wise and all loving, assures us over and over to wait. Psalm 37:7: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." Wait for the Lord, the Psalmist goes on, keep to His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land.[3]

The early English minister Joseph Benson offered on the topic of waiting, 
Do not murmur or repine at His dealings with thee, but silently and quietly submit to his will, and adore his judgments, and, as it follows, wait for His help.[4]

The American Theologian, Albert Barnes (1798-1870) wrote,  Being silent before Jehovah is waiting in silent patience or confidence for His interposition; or, in other words, of leaving the whole matter with him without being anxious as to the result.[5]

And, the beloved Andrew Murray (South African author and Pastor), wrote,
It is in the course of our feeble and very imperfect waiting that God Himself, by His hidden power, strengthens us and works out in us the patience of the great saints, the patience of Christ Himself.[6]

So, today, from great hearts and minds of today and yesterday, be encouraged to wait upon the Lord.  There is truly no greater way to exercise real faith in these challenging days.  

Blessings.  

Notes:

[1] Eugene Peterson, Leadership, Vol. 8, no. 2.

[2] Richard Hendrix, quoted by Bruce Pittman in "I Found My Heart When I Lost My Way," Leadership, Vol. 7, no. 

[3] John Ortberg, Preaching Today Tape #199. 

[4] Jospeh Benson, Commentary on the Old and New Testament, (Carlton & Phillips; G. Lane & C. B. Tippett, 1846–1854).

[5] Albert Barnes, Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible.

[6] Andrew Murray, Waiting on God (New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1896).