WAIT ON THE LORD By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
Matthew 16:24
"Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'"
Introduction: The Importance of Waiting on the Lord
In a world filled with self-worship and individualism, we are often tempted to rely on our own strength, wisdom, and understanding. However, the Scriptures remind us that true strength comes from waiting on the Lord, denying ourselves, and trusting His guidance.
This is not just about waiting passively, but actively positioning ourselves in a place of humility and dependence on God.
Supporting Scriptures:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding." (Psalm 111:10)
1. The Call to Humble Ourselves Before God
The world teaches us to elevate ourselves, but the Bible calls us to humble ourselves before God. We are in a generation that has forgotten the fear of the Lord and chooses to live without regard for His commands. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom, and without it, we cannot experience true knowledge and peace.
Supporting Scriptures:
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
"But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’" (James 4:6)
2. Denying Ourselves and Taking Up Our Cross
In following Jesus, we are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. This means choosing God’s will over our own, living for His purposes rather than for personal gain. It is through this process of self-denial that we find true strength and purpose in life.
Supporting Scriptures:
"Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26)
3. Waiting on God Brings Renewal and Strength
When we wait on the Lord with expectation, He renews our strength. Waiting on God is not passive; it is an active, expectant waiting for Him to guide us, strengthen us, and lead us into His will. Through this, we find new strength to overcome challenges and endure trials.
Supporting Scriptures:
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." (Lamentations 3:25)
4. Trusting in God's Timing and Plan
God’s plan for our lives is perfect, and He is always working behind the scenes. In times of uncertainty, we must trust that God’s timing is always best. Waiting on Him allows us to align our hearts with His will and trust that He is working all things together for our good.
Supporting Scriptures:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14)
5. The Blessings of Obedience and Guidance
When we wait on the Lord, we also position ourselves to receive His guidance. He promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go. Obedience to His voice brings blessings, direction, and peace. His wisdom is a gift to those who humble themselves before Him.
Supporting Scriptures:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." (Psalm 32:8)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." (Psalm 23:1-2)
Conclusion:
Trust in the Lord's Perfect Timing and Purpose
In a world filled with distractions and self-centered living, we must remember to wait on the Lord with humility and trust.
By denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him, we position ourselves to receive His strength, guidance, and wisdom. Let us not be like the world, but rather live in reverence and awe of our Creator. Waiting on God is not just a passive act—it is a powerful declaration of our dependence on Him.
Final Scripture:
"Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Trust in the Lord's perfect plan for your life. His timing is always right, and in His presence, you will find true peace, strength, and joy.
