When we read Isaiah 30-33. Yes all 3 chapters.
Chapter 30 begins a long conversation between God and Israel. You see at this time Israel will be attacked by the Assyrian army because of Israel's idol worship. But instead of Israel turning back to God, they flee to Egypt for help. In chapter 30 God warns them not to go to Egypt. 30:1 shows that Israel's plan is not God's plan... later after God warns them, God offers help (15) but Israel will not listen and so God waits for Israel. God waits to show Israel grace and patience.... (vs 18). Chapter 31 God again warns Israel not to go to Egypt but to rely on God alone... then we get to chapter 33 where Israel realizes that it needs God! and so the whole chapter is dedicated to praising God who is mightily and gracious.
Well what does this have to do with us? Let's take a lesson from the Israelites. We can choose to wait on God to show us which way to go or which way to act or we act rashly, quickly without God's consent... When we act rashly then we have to wait again on God's graciousness to cover our mistakes. It is better to wait on God.
Right now may be you are in a waiting period... wait on God and He will show you which direction to take. But how do we wait on God? It is not easy. We can become restless and tired... allot of times we wait but we are not joyful in our waiting... I know this is where I was until I realized what it meant to wait on God in joy!
We are to wait on God actively... not being lazy, sitting in a chair with our hands and arms crossed.... no!!!! We are to actively wait in obedience. This means you pursue God right now.... grow closer to him everyday, enjoy his fellowship. Then next thing, obey what you already know in God. God has given us things we can do while we wait on him for the bigger thing. We disciple, we teach what we know, we fellowship with other believers... basically live life in Christ, becoming more like him, strengthening yourself and others as you wait for God. Then when the time comes for you to go or the time comes for God to act... you will be ready, spiritually and mentally for the next step that God has for you.
I also learned that if you seek God and learn to wait on him in joy then the waiting period can be just as great as the other times. Find joy in what you do... If you have no joy, if the joy of life is lost for you then that is a reflection of your spiritual life.... that you are not walking closely with God...
These are the things that I have been learning recently... I hope that it encourages you to remain strong during hard time and to wait on the Lord actively in Obedience... seeking Him in all that you do. And you’ll know there is God.
Chapter 30 begins a long conversation between God and Israel. You see at this time Israel will be attacked by the Assyrian army because of Israel's idol worship. But instead of Israel turning back to God, they flee to Egypt for help. In chapter 30 God warns them not to go to Egypt. 30:1 shows that Israel's plan is not God's plan... later after God warns them, God offers help (15) but Israel will not listen and so God waits for Israel. God waits to show Israel grace and patience.... (vs 18). Chapter 31 God again warns Israel not to go to Egypt but to rely on God alone... then we get to chapter 33 where Israel realizes that it needs God! and so the whole chapter is dedicated to praising God who is mightily and gracious.
Well what does this have to do with us? Let's take a lesson from the Israelites. We can choose to wait on God to show us which way to go or which way to act or we act rashly, quickly without God's consent... When we act rashly then we have to wait again on God's graciousness to cover our mistakes. It is better to wait on God.
Right now may be you are in a waiting period... wait on God and He will show you which direction to take. But how do we wait on God? It is not easy. We can become restless and tired... allot of times we wait but we are not joyful in our waiting... I know this is where I was until I realized what it meant to wait on God in joy!
We are to wait on God actively... not being lazy, sitting in a chair with our hands and arms crossed.... no!!!! We are to actively wait in obedience. This means you pursue God right now.... grow closer to him everyday, enjoy his fellowship. Then next thing, obey what you already know in God. God has given us things we can do while we wait on him for the bigger thing. We disciple, we teach what we know, we fellowship with other believers... basically live life in Christ, becoming more like him, strengthening yourself and others as you wait for God. Then when the time comes for you to go or the time comes for God to act... you will be ready, spiritually and mentally for the next step that God has for you.
I also learned that if you seek God and learn to wait on him in joy then the waiting period can be just as great as the other times. Find joy in what you do... If you have no joy, if the joy of life is lost for you then that is a reflection of your spiritual life.... that you are not walking closely with God...
These are the things that I have been learning recently... I hope that it encourages you to remain strong during hard time and to wait on the Lord actively in Obedience... seeking Him in all that you do. And you’ll know there is God.
