Paul gave the Thessalonians a stern warning: “stay away from every person who is idle and does not live according to His teachings.” So what are God’s “teachings” about those “spaces” in life when nothing seems to be happening? We are to learn to hope in Him, ultimately and completely depend on Him, be loyal and obedient to Him, and have faith and trust in Him, believing that He is working “quietly” in our best interests.
“I know the plans I have for you,” said the Lord through Jeremiah. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Since these “plans” originate with the Lord, we are to place our lives in His hands and with hope wait only on Him. It is unfortunate when we lose patience in Him and move forward on our own, not knowing where we are going. His plans are good plans, well designed and carefully thought out. So, we must wait before Him in silent expectancy.
But we must also keep His ways during these “spaces” by being obedient to Him. While waiting we will surely be tempted to give up or give in and seek a “shortcut” that could lead to defeat and disaster. When we keep or walk in His way, we can be certain that we will end up where He wants us to be not where we think He wants us to be.
Finally, we must “keep the faith.” Perhaps the greatest enemy of waiting on God’s best is the immediate gratification of the fleeting. Waiting and keeping the faith assures us that we will ultimately receive God’s best for us. Living a life of faith is not easy, but always rewarding.
Prayer: Lord, may we learn to wait patiently for You, stay close by You, hope in You, and enjoy a future with You. Remove our anxiety and doubt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. Psalm 37:34
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