Discern and Overcome Common TemptationsНамуна

Holding On to Hope

Temptations: Doubt & Impatience

Waiting on God is one of the hardest parts of our walk with the Lord. When there are delays in the answers to our prayers, we can experience moments of doubt, wondering whether or not God really hears our prayers. The moment we doubt, we can fall into the trap of becoming impatient. Following impatience is the human nature that says, "I will do it myself…"

The moment we step in to rescue a situation or person, the Lord steps back. In the beginning, we do not realize that the presence of the Lord has lifted. Something similar happened to Samson in the Bible; he did not realize the anointing had lifted! Let us never end up in such a place in our walk with the Lord where we take control or force an outcome we think will be the best, or where we abandon our faith altogether. Sometimes the delay is the very thing that builds our faith. Doubt and impatience distort God's character, suggesting He's not faithful, not good, or not able. Scripture urges us to wait on the Lord and trust His perfect timing. Discernment helps us separate God's "delay" from His "denial." Often, what may feel like a pause is often preparation. The enemy wants us to give up just before the breakthrough comes. But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.

Prayer:

Father God, please forgive me where I have stepped in and tried to fix a matter on my own in my own strength. Lord, when I feel weary or uncertain, remind me of Your faithfulness. Grant me grace to wait on You. Help me trust even in my waiting and believe even when I can't see. Strengthen my heart to wait well. Amen.

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