Charles Stanley - How Should We Wait

Waiting tests our faith like nothing else. But trusting God always pays off in the end. In this message, Dr. Stanley takes a closer look at the right and wrong ways to wait. Learn how to let peace and confidence rule your heart while you let God work.

Whether you’re about to make a purchase or facing an emergency, the last thing you want to do is wait. In fact, today having what we want immediately is almost the norm. What we once waited a month to receive is now available the same day. Although this is very convenient, it has also led to a moral decline, including the actions of people who aren’t willing to wait for sex until marriage. Furthermore, it has resulted in the selfish conclusion that we should always get what we want right away.

God doesn’t work by this world’s standards. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” This command is given to us because God knows that it’s not easy for us to wait, especially if we’ve already had to do so for an extended period of time.

God speaks often about waiting because it’s important and essential for every area of our lives—in our relationships, finances, physical life, and spiritual life. That’s why Scripture often admonishes us to wait for the Lord. It’s one of the key lessons in the Bible that we’d do well to learn.

Yet so often we don’t see the value of waiting and prefer to get what we desire immediately. But God knows that sometimes we’re not ready to receive what we’ve requested, and some of the things we want are unwise or even physically, emotionally, or spiritually dangerous for us.

Waiting on God is a principle in His Word. There are great advantages and protections for us in God’s delays. Some things become richer and more meaningful when we wait for them. Another benefit is that we avoid the consequences of impatiently running ahead of God.