When God Makes You Wait

Key Takeaways

• Waiting is an essential part of spiritual growth and is prevalent throughout Scripture.

• In times of waiting, we should focus on worship through prayer and seeking God's will through His Word.

• Prayer promotes unity and is foundational to preparation for God's work.

• God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the most difficult ones.

• God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Waiting is "living on what I know to be true about God when I don't know what's true about my life." How does this definition resonate with you?

• Question 2

  Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something significant. How did you handle that waiting period? What did you learn from that experience?

• Question 3

  The disciples turned to Scripture to understand God's will. How is studying God's Word a part of your decision-making process?

• Question 4

  Pastor J mentioned that "believing in God" is different from "believing God." What do you think this means, and how can we grow in truly believing God?

• Question 5

  How does the example of the early church's preparation through prayer and Scripture study inspire or challenge you?

• Question 6

  Where in your life are you struggling to trust God's timing? Share it with others (family, friends, community group, etc.) and pray for each other in these areas.

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Waiting with Purpose

READING :

Isaiah 40:28-31

DEVOTIONAL :

In our fast-paced world, waiting can feel like wasted time. Yet Isaiah reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. On MLK Day, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s example of waiting on God with prayerful action, trusting in His justice. Similarly, as a Presidential Inauguration takes place, we reflect on preparation for leadership and transitions that shape our nation. Remember, waiting isn't a waste when we use it to cultivate our relationship with God.

APPLICATION :

What are you waiting for in your life? How can you use this time of waiting to draw closer to God and prepare for His plans?

Day 2 : The Power of Unity in Prayer

READING :

Matthew 18:19-20

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church demonstrated remarkable unity as they gathered to pray. Jesus promised that where two or three gather in His name, He is present. This unity in prayer became the foundation for the explosive growth of the church at Pentecost. In your own life, how can you cultivate a spirit of unity in prayer?

APPLICATION :

Consider joining or starting a prayer group, or inviting a friend to pray with you regularly. As you do, watch for how God moves in response to the unified prayers of His people.

Day 3 : God's Sovereignty in Our Failures

READING :

Romans 8:28-30

DEVOTIONAL :

The disciples faced the painful reality of Judas' betrayal, yet found comfort in seeing how even this fit into God's sovereign plan. Like Peter, who denied Jesus but was restored, we too may face failures in our faith journey. Today's passage reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on a time when you felt you had failed God. How did He redeem that situation? Trust that even in your weaknesses and mistakes, God's purposes will prevail.

Day 4 : Equipped by the Word

READING :

2 Timothy 3:16-17

DEVOTIONAL :

As the disciples waited, they turned to Scripture for guidance and understanding. They found comfort and direction in God's Word, even in their uncertainty. Paul tells Timothy that Scripture equips us for every good work. In your own life, how can you make God's Word a more central part of your decision-making and daily living?

APPLICATION :

Consider starting a habit of daily Bible reading or memorizing key verses to carry with you throughout your day.

Day 5 : Called to Be Witnesses

READING :

Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9-10

DEVOTIONAL :

As God's chosen people, we are called to be His witnesses. This high calling is not based on our qualifications but on God's grace. Just as Jesus promised His disciples power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, this same call extends to us today. Consider the small band of 120 believers in the early church—ordinary people who changed the world by submitting to God's will. In the same way, God can use us powerfully when we embrace our unique calling. Being a witness starts with a life transformed by Christ's love. Embrace the privilege of being part of God's redemptive plan for the world, no matter how inadequate you may feel.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on where God has placed you: your workplace, neighborhood, or family. How can you more intentionally share Christ's love and truth in these areas? Trust in the Holy Spirit's power to guide and equip you as you live out your calling.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 96:1-4

Confession of Faith

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Almighty God, when you make us wait, our hearts often turn away from you. We confess our impatience and frustration, grasping for control instead of trusting your perfect plan. We have doubted your goodness and looked to lesser things for comfort. Forgive our self-reliance that blinds us to your faithfulness. By Your grace, renew our hope, that we may rest in your steadfast love. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Peter 2:24