THE IMPORTANCE OF WAITING

When Joseph dreamed of becoming greater than his family, it took several years for this dream to become a reality. Here's what he said to his brothers about his dream: "We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly, my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before me (Genesis 37:7)." In another dream, he shared it with his father and brothers. He said, "The sun, moon, and the eleven stars bowed low before me (Genesis 37:9)." At this time, his father, Jacob, scolded Joseph because he understood the interpretation of his dream. It meant that he (Jacob), who represents the sun; Joseph's mother, who represents the moon; and his eleven brothers, who represent the eleven stars, would bow down before him. Joseph's dream became a reality when he became the second-highest official in Egypt. However, it took several lonely and painful years before Joseph became the second-highest official in Egypt. He must first be hated by his brothers and sold into slavery. He ended up a slave to Potiphar and was falsely accused of trying to take advantage of Potiphar's wife after a few years; as a result, he ended up in jail. Despite the hardships that he was going through, God was not done with him. God was still in the process of fulfilling the dream that He gave to Joseph. Through interpreting dreams, Joseph finally became the second-highest official and saved the entire nation of Egypt and his family from famine (Genesis 37-50). 

God allowed Joseph to suffer and wait a long time to fulfill his dreams because He needed to work on Joseph's heart first. There are times when we think that we are ready to do what God has called us to do, but in God's eyes, our hearts are not ready. He may need to teach important lessons about ourselves or equip us before he will use us in a very special way. We must understand that waiting is not a waste of time in God; it is necessary. We may think that we are wasting time when nothing is happening in our lives, but it is in the waiting time that He is equipping us and working in our hearts. So, when we are waiting for God to open the door of opportunity, we can learn to trust Him and be active in knowing and serving Him. 

We must be faithful in doing what God has for us today and not worry about what will happen tomorrow, for God is going to make it happen in His due time when we are ready. Jesus said, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10). 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Is waiting for God's plan a waste of time? Am I willing to wait in order for God to work in my heart and equip me? What are the things that I can do while waiting for God to open opportunities? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching me today about waiting. Please teach me to be patient in my waiting and help me to be faithful to do what you have for me at this moment. Thank you that you have my future, and you will fulfill your wonderful plan in my life when I am ready. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.