|
Jody & Wendy Dyess
A couple of High School sweethearts who love each other, their children and especially their grandchildren. Believers in underdogs, and the forgotten. ArchivesNo Archives CategoriesListening to God’s Voice and Waiting for His Perfect TimingIn the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to become impatient. We want answers, direction, and solutions immediately, and the idea of waiting seems almost intolerable. Yet, one of the most profound lessons we can learn as followers of Christ is the importance of listening to God’s voice and waiting for His perfect timing. It’s in this delicate balance of hearing and waiting that our faith is both tested and strengthened.
The Importance of Listening Listening to God’s voice requires more than just hearing; it demands a posture of humility, a heart open to receive, and a mind willing to be still. In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This verse reminds us that as His sheep, we are expected to recognize and respond to His voice. But how do we discern His voice in the midst of life’s noise? It starts with intentional time in His presence—through prayer, reading His Word, and meditating on His promises. It’s in these moments of stillness that we begin to tune our spiritual ears to His frequency, distinguishing His gentle whisper from the clamor of the world. The Challenge of Waiting Once we’ve heard God’s voice, the next step often requires waiting. And waiting can be challenging. It’s in our nature to want to move forward, to see progress, to have clarity. But God’s timing is not our timing. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Waiting on God is not a passive activity. It’s active trust. It’s believing that He sees the bigger picture, and that His timing is perfect—even when it feels like nothing is happening. Waiting is an exercise in faith, teaching us to rely not on our own understanding, but on God’s sovereign will. The Beauty of God’s Timing Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of God’s perfect timing. Abraham waited for decades for the promise of a son. Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before rising to power in Egypt. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. And, of course, the ultimate example is Jesus, who came in the “fullness of time” to redeem humanity. God’s timing is always right. It may not align with our schedules or desires, but it is never late. He is preparing us in the waiting, building our character, increasing our faith, and aligning circumstances according to His perfect will. Living in the Tension Living in the tension of listening and waiting requires us to trust God’s goodness. It’s a journey of surrender—laying down our timelines, our plans, and our need for control. It’s about believing that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. As we navigate this journey, let us be encouraged by the words of Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” In the waiting, we are not alone. God is with us, guiding us, shaping us, and preparing us for what’s to come. Conclusion Listening to God’s voice and waiting for His perfect timing are intertwined aspects of our walk with Him. It’s in the waiting that we learn to trust, and it’s in the listening that we are guided along His path. May we embrace this divine rhythm, knowing that God’s plans for us are good, and His timing is perfect. Let’s commit ourselves to being still before the Lord, listening intently to His voice, and waiting patiently for His perfect timing, knowing that in the end, His plans will far exceed our greatest expectations. |