Waiting on God
One of the hardest things to do is to wait for God. I will be the first to admit that I can get impatient. I like to get things done. When there is a project, a problem, an assignment, a task to be done, a schedule, etc., I am on top of things and I want things done at a set time and if things are slowed down, if someone or something makes me wait, I get frustrated. When it comes to waiting on God, there are moments when I am ready to jump in with both feet, but it’s not go time. God didn’t tell me to move. But still, I want to move. I want to get started. I want to get going. It looks like it’s time.
Waiting on God requires more than patience—it requires faith. Faith in His timing. Noah was on the ark for a very long time; scholars say he and his family were on that ark for a year. Wow. Imagine being on a boat of sorts for an entire year with your family and animals galore. I can hardly make it in my car on a road trip with my kids and the dog without wanting to jump out of the car (while it is moving).
The dove came back holding an olive leaf. The water had subsided. Verse 11 says that “Noah knew that the waters had subsided.” So he waits another week and then sends out a dove again. Then they take the top of the ark off, but they still do not leave. They do not leave until God says, “Go out from the ark” (v. 16a ESV). Talk about waiting on God. Today, may you find ways in your life to wait on Him. Stop trying to rush decisions and actions. Pull yourself back and pray about things. Consider your steps.
“Then God said to Noah, ‘God out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you.’” – Genesis 8:15-16 [ESV]
Tania Gutekunst 