Tag Archives: Jude

“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” I Samuel 16:12-13

Who God chooses He uses, but His initial lessons are learned in the incubator of waiting. David was anointed to be King, but would wait over 20 years before he became King. God’s game plan was to grow his leadership, humility and intimacy with Him before he experienced the honor of ruling over the entire Kingdom. Indeed, every follower of Jesus can be filled with the Spirit by faith, but the fullness of the Spirit may lead to obscurity not fame, submission not authority.

We are called to be faithful where we are and not to be preoccupied with promotion and recognition. The favor of the Lord is what eventually wins out, not our winsomeness or our skills of persuasiveness. So we wait—not in self-pity, but in self-denial. We wait and learn not to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, but to cast our cares on Christ who has overcome the world. We work as unto the Lord while we wait and He does a work of grace to humble our heart.

“But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” Hosea 12:6 

Is your waiting painfully growing your patience? Are you honoring those in authority, as you wait on God? It is a spiritual stewardship to be the best where you are with what you have. Perhaps this season of limitations is a time to tap into the Lord’s limitless resources. Be bold in prayer to seek out unconventional solutions from your Creator. His plan for you will probably look different from your friend’s faith walk. Perhaps Christ is calling you overseas to see His fullness.

Above all, invite preparation as a vital part of the waiting process. Your character prepared in patient perseverance can withstand an arsenal of the enemy’s assaults. Your life that automatically leans into the Lord’s love is able to radically love others. Your modest finances marked by generosity now are prepared for liberal giving later, if you experience His abundance. Embrace waiting while God makes you into His image bearer. Wise waiting is His secret to success.

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I wait on You, make me into Your image bearer of grace and love.

Related Readings: Psalm 130:5; Micah 7:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 9:28

Post/Tweet: Whom God chooses He uses, but His initial lessons are learned in the incubator of waiting. #waiting