Preacher: Pastor M.
Eta
Topic: “When the Wait is Long”
Bible Text: Genesis 21:1-7
Expository Sermon: *Introduction*
Brothers and sisters, we often find ourselves in seasons of waiting. Whether it's
waiting for answers to prayers, healing, direction, or the fulfillment of dreams, the
period of waiting can feel daunting.
Today, we will explore what the Bible says about waiting, why it is essential, and
how we can remain steadfast during these times.
I. Understanding the Nature of Waiting
A. Biblical Examples of Waiting
1. Abraham and Sarah - Genesis 12:1-4, 21:1-7 Abraham waited for twenty-five
years for the promise of a son, Isaac. In their impatience, they tried to fulfill God’s
promise through Hagar, but God's timing is perfect. This teaches us about the
importance of trusting God's timeline.
2. Joseph - Genesis 37, 39-45 Joseph waited thirteen years in various trials—from
being sold into slavery to imprisonment—before being elevated to a position of
authority in Egypt. His waiting was not in vain; it prepared him for his destiny and
saved many lives during famine.
B. The Purpose of Waiting
1. Spiritual Growth - James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
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whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing
of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that
you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James encourages us to
consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance,
leading to maturity and completeness. Waiting can refine our character and
deepen our faith.
2. Preparation for God’s Plan - Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will
renew their strength.” Waiting on God builds our strength and prepares us to
fulfill His purpose. It is not merely a pause but a preparation for what is to come.
II. The Challenge of Waiting
A. The Struggle with Doubt
1. Zacharias and Elizabeth - Luke 1:5-25 Zacharias doubted God's promise of a
son due to their old age. His initial disbelief led to a period of silence. Yet, God’s
faithfulness prevailed. Doubt can be a natural response, but it is crucial to
remember that God’s promises are true.
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2. Moses and the Israelites - Exodus 14:10-14 As Pharaoh approached, the
Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They
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were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because
there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What
have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt,
‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to
serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
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Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see
the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you
will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
As the Israelites faced the Red Sea, fear and doubt gripped them. Moses
reminded them, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." In our
waiting, we must cling to God’s assurances.
B. The Temptation to Take Matters into Our Own Hands
1. Saul - 1 Samuel 13:8-14 Saul's impatience led him to offer a burnt sacrifice,
resulting in God rejecting him as king. When we rush ahead of God, we can miss
His best for us.
2. Sarah and Hagar - Genesis 16 Sarah's decision to use Hagar to bear a child
illustrates the consequences of not waiting on God's promise. Our impatience can
lead to complications that affect generations.
III. How to Wait Well
A. Trust in God’s Character
1. *Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the
Lord.” Trusting in God's goodness helps us endure the waiting period. He is
faithful, loving, and wise.
2. Lamentations 3:25-26 “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him.” God’s
goodness is not based on our circumstances, but on His unchanging nature. In
waiting, we can rest in His character.
B. Engage in Active Waiting
1. Prayer and Worship - Philippians 4:6-7 Paul encourages us to present our
requests to God with thanksgiving. Active waiting involves engaging with God
through prayer, worship, and reading His Word.
2. Serving Others - Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at
the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” While we wait, we
can continue to serve, focusing on others rather than solely on our needs.
In conclusion, waiting is a part of our spiritual journey. It is a time of growth,
preparation, and trust. Like Abraham, Joseph, and even Jesus, we can learn to
embrace the wait, recognizing it as a necessary step in our faith. Let us remember
the words of Isaiah [Link] “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their
strength.” May we trust in God’s timing, remain steadfast in our faith, and actively
engage in His work, knowing that the wait is not in vain. *Prayer* Heavenly
Father, help us to wait on You with patience and trust. Strengthen our hearts and
minds during these seasons of waiting, and help us to remember that You are
always working for our good. Amen.
