Waiting On God’s Timing Series

WAITING ON GOD’S TIMING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 13:5-14

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31, Habakkuk 2:3, Lamentations 3:25-26

INTRODUCTION:

One of the greatest tests of spiritual maturity is the ability to wait on God’s timing. In a world driven by speed and instant gratification, waiting feels like a waste. But in God’s kingdom, waiting is not passive—it is purposeful. It is in the waiting room of life that faith is refined, obedience is proven, and character is built.

King Saul’s impatience cost him the kingdom. Though he was divinely chosen and anointed, his inability to wait for the prophet Samuel to arrive led him into disobedience. Instead of trusting God’s process, he acted out of fear and pressure. As a result, his reign was rejected, and the foundation for David’s rise was set.

This teaching explores the importance of trusting God’s timing, the dangers of impatience, and the blessings reserved for those who wait. When God is silent or slow, He is not absent. He is working behind the scenes, aligning every detail according to His divine calendar.

1. GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT, EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS DELAYED

Divine timing is never early or late—it is always right on schedule.

a) Saul Waited Seven Days, But Acted Prematurely on the Seventh (1 Samuel 13:8-10)

He was so close to breakthrough, but impatience robbed him of it.

b) God Works According to Seasons and Appointed Times (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Everything under heaven has a divine appointment.

c) What Looks Like a Delay is Often a Divine Setup (Habakkuk 2:3)

The vision is for an appointed time; though it tarries, wait for it.

d) God’s Silence Is Not God’s Absence

He may be testing your heart while preparing your promotion.

Biblical Example: Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac, but God’s promise never failed (Genesis 21:1-2).

2. IMPATIENCE CAN LEAD TO DISOBEDIENCE AND LOSS

Acting outside of God’s timing is often rooted in fear or pressure.

a) Saul Feared the Philistines and the Fading of His Troops (1 Samuel 13:6-7)

Fear of men causes leaders to compromise divine instruction.

b) Saul Took the Priest’s Role and Offered the Sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:9)

Impatience drove him to usurp spiritual authority.

c) Samuel Rebuked Saul for Acting Foolishly (1 Samuel 13:13)

He lost what could have been a lasting dynasty because of haste.

d) Impatience may produce temporary relief, but it brings lasting regret

Spiritual authority flows through obedience, not anxiety.

Biblical Example: Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, and it cost him the Promised Land (Numbers 20:10-12).

3. WAITING BUILDS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND MATURITY

The wait is not just about time—it is about transformation.

a) “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)

Waiting births strength, not weakness. It produces resilience.

b) David Was Anointed King but Waited Many Years to Reign (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 5)

He honoured God’s timing and refused to kill Saul even when he had the chance.

c) Waiting Teaches Us to Trust, Listen, and Obey (Psalm 27:14)

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.”

d) Those who wait are shaped into vessels of honour

God is never in a hurry, but He is always intentional.

Biblical Example: Joseph waited through betrayal, slavery, and prison before stepping into leadership (Genesis 41:39-41).

4. THERE IS A BLESSING RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO WAIT

The rewards of patience are always greater than the pains of waiting.

a) God Preserves and Promotes Those Who Wait on Him (Lamentations 3:25-26)

“It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

b) Waiting Often Leads to Unexpected and Supernatural Doors

When Samuel arrived, it was already too late for Saul—but David’s rise was just beginning.

c) Divine favour flows at divine speed, not human rush

Grace operates within God’s calendar.

d) Waiting purifies your motives and proves your faith

God doesn’t just prepare the blessing—He prepares you for the blessing.

Biblical Example: Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel and saw the Christ before he died (Luke 2:25-30).

5. GOD REPLACES THE IMPATIENT WITH THOSE WHO OBEY HIS TIMING

God takes timing seriously, especially in leadership.

a) Saul Was Rejected, and David Was Chosen (1 Samuel 13:14)

Impatience disqualifies, but faithfulness promotes.

b) God Called David “A Man After My Own Heart”

He knew how to trust, wait, and walk in step with God.

c) Those Who Honour God's Timing Carry His Authority

True spiritual authority is built in quiet submission.

d) Impatient leaders mislead people; patient leaders carry God’s presence

Waiting aligns you with heaven’s rhythm.

Biblical Example: Jesus waited until the fullness of time to begin His ministry (Luke 3:23; Galatians 4:4).

CONCLUSION:

Waiting on God’s timing is not easy, but it is essential. Saul's story teaches us that a moment of impatience can undo a lifetime of calling. But David’s journey reminds us that the throne belongs to those who wait well. The seasons of waiting are not punishment; they are preparation.