When Progress Feels Invisible - Your Nightly Prayer - May 3rd

When Progress Feels Invisible
Your Nightly Prayer
By Greg Grandchamp

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty.” - Isaiah 55:11

SOMETHING TO PONDER

If you have ever been on a diet, then you know that often – too often – progress seems…well, nonexistent. But that is nothing compared to what it’s like waiting on God. Waiting is hard. Our lack of patience triggers a lack of control. We live in a world of instant gratification and have grown accustomed to having things happen in our own time, according to our plans.

Waiting on God is an even greater challenge – sometimes seemingly impossible at times. And while it can be very hard, it is equally important for us to have patience and trust, knowing that God is at work even when we don’t see or feel it. We are certainly not alone in experiencing the challenges presented in waiting on the Lord. Psalm 69, one of David’s many laments, tells us, “I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.” I’m sure we can relate.

Waiting means having our desires delayed, but perhaps more disheartening, our hopes deferred. We see others moving forward and perhaps wonder where we might have gone wrong. We listen, but we aren’t hearing anything, so we feel left in the dark – perhaps even to wonder if God is listening to us. Do we have His ear? Did we hear Him wrong when we moved forward? What are we missing? Is there more?

Through all of this…we still have God’s promises. The Lord tells us in Isaiah 55 that His word is like the rain and snow – that it will water the earth and make it bud and flourish. (v. 10) He goes on in verse 11, “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God has a purpose for the rain, and the rain will achieve the purpose for which He sent it. So it is with what might seem like unanswered prayers.

In our waiting, let’s take our eyes off what we don’t know and turn them to what we do know – who God is and His promises. Let us remember that God has a far greater perspective on the events of our lives than we do. We can stay focused on knowing that God’s plans are perfect – just as He is perfect. We can trust that whatever He does will be in His perfect will and timing. By clinging to these truths, we can then turn away from doubt or worry during our waiting.

Let us remember too that God has a purpose in the waiting. Isaiah 40 reminds us that “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (v. 29) Then He promises “…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Waiting helps us to rely on His grace and His goodness. Waiting patiently strengthens our trust in Him. We can know that He will renew our strength.

Waiting on God is never easy, but let us wait knowing that there might be a greater purpose. So we can let our hearts not grow weary. Knowing we will soar like eagles. We know this because God promised it, and He will never let you down.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
I know you are right here with me. Please help me with my impatience, Lord, and give me the strength and patience to wait for you. To know that your will and your timing are perfect. Please, Father, bring me peace of mind and of heart as I wait – knowing I can trust in you. In Jesus holy name I pray.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. When you feel your patience wearing thin, sit down and be honest with the Lord. Remember that patience means trusting His timing.  (Psalm 37:7)
2. Pray for strength, courage, and steadfastness. (Psalm 27:14)
3. Waiting includes hope and confidence in God’s faithful response. (Micah 7:7)

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bishop

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, “In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins,” is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives – and on creating true disciples of Christ.
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email  or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.

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