Who’s Really doing the Waiting?
Waiting: to stay in a place of expectation.
How many of you like to wait? Not many of us. We live in a fast paced fast food world. We want it now we don’t want to wait; we want Instant Gratification. How many folks here are over 35? Back in the seventies when I was a kid whenever we got to go out for dinner which wasn’t very often; we would go to a small family restaurant most of the time.
Granted there was Mc Donalds, Burger Kings and other fast food places but back then most people liked going into little mom and pop places. You’d go in place your orders and set there for a bit and wait because most of the time at least part of your order had to be prepared. But we didn’t seem to mind sitting there; we would talk to each other about our day. Many times the owner would sit down with you for a bit and talk. Imagine trying that now- man I get mad if it takes more than 5 minutes to get my order from the drive thru window. But that’s the way we are now days. We’re always in a hurry. Often, the same is true about our spiritual lives.
We’re always waiting for the Lord to move; or for him to answer a prayer. We’ll read scriptures that tell us to wait upon the Lord or to be patience. We’ll quote old sayings like patience is a virtue; and it is. But let me propose this idea to you—maybe just maybe God is really waiting on you? What are you talking about Brother Tim? Let me give you a couple of examples.
Moses the Friend of God Ex. 33:11
I. God calls Moses from the womb.
God had a call on Moses’ life from the beginning of it; we see this in Ex. 2:2
1) The Bible describes Moses as a goodly (or chosen) child. God had a job for Moses to accomplish but before he could do it God had to get him in the right place.
2) Which was the palace of Pharaoh; in the palace he would learn the skills he would need; for instance the ability to write. After all few slaves were taught to read and write.
a) Why is that important you might ask? Well God had him write the five most important books both in the Old Testament.
b) The Pentateuch forms the basis of our whole belief system it reminds us of our inborn sinful condition and prophesies of the time of our forgiveness.
From the palace to the sheep pen.
Ex. 3:1-6
1) Sometimes we know God has something for us to do and we can jump the gun. Look at our verses about Moses, he tried to make a difference in the life of his brothers but it wasn’t the right time yet.
2) So Moses wound up fleeing into the wilderness.
a) Sometimes we too can try to do what God has called us to do before we’re ready. i.e. Suppose God has called you to preach that’s great; but before you go running out there get grounded in the Word of God. Then when you speak you can do so with the authority of one who knows the Word.
3) But back to Moses now we find him forty years later he has gone from a leader of men to a leader of sheep. He’s gone from being a prince and living in a grand palace to the lowliest and most menial job of the time. Shepherds weren’t even allowed in the temple.
4) But now Moses is in the position that God can now use him. So you see Moses wasn’t waiting on God. God was actually waiting for him to get into the place where he could use him.
II. Peter the Rock to be! Mt. 16:18
1. In chapter 16 we see Christ during a quiet moment with His disciples God has given Peter special insight into the true nature of the Savior.
2. Christ reveals to Peter the plan He has ordained for his life. He’s going to be the main leader of Christ’s Church.
Peter denies the Lord Mt.26:73,74
1. Our next look at Peter is during the Last Supper and the Lord is telling the disciples they will fail Him that night. But Peter makes the statement that even it means giving up his life, he will not deny Jesus.
2. Christ warns Peter especially that he will deny Him that night; does this sound like the rock of the Church.
Peter Feed My Sheep Jn. 21:15-18
1. In the book of John Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. There 3 different words for love in the Greek language. They are as follows: Agape- a self-sacrificing love Phileo—a brotherly love Eros—the love between a husband and wife
2. Jesus asks Peter do you Agape me—will you give your life for me? Peter answers back I Phileo you- I am fond of you Lord.
3. Jesus warns Peter that even though he’s still not ready there will be a time when he will be willing to give his all for the Savior.
Day of Pentecost—Peter is finally ready for God’s Calling Acts 2:14
1. The formerly weak willed Peter now is a forceful man of God. He stands before Jews from all over the world and preaches that Jesus was the Christ and only through His forgiveness of sins can we reach Heaven
2. 3000 souls added to the church that day.
III. The Final question: What do we need to do?
I would be remiss if I just pointed out the situation at hand without giving an answer on what to do with it. First if you’re not a born again Christian the first step would be to realize that you need Christ’s forgiveness and ask him to do that. Because without that step you will never be able to find out the plan He has for your life.
Secondly if you’ve already taken the first step, then next you need to start praying and studying God’s Word. Because in order for you to find out His plan for your life you first have to be able to recognize his voice. This comes from a close personal relationship with our Lord.
