Lesson 11 Review: Waiting in the Crucible

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “But the fruit of the Spirit is… longsuffering” (Galatians 5:22, NKJV).

Patience undoubtedly brings good results, the patient Ones are the ones that turn out to have better character, better lives and so on. The Lord wants us to cultivate patience.

What does it mean to really be patient?

Patience by the Hebrew definition has to do with pain and it is what the crucible is all about. Patience is not about how long we have to wait, it is more of our attitude while we wait. Our focus while we wait should be on God rather than what we are patiently waiting for, even if it does not come at the right, we can be sure that God’s timing is the best and it will still come.

What are the spiritual reasons why we will experience waiting times?

First, waiting can refocus our attention on God rather than what we are waiting for. ‘Second, waiting allows us to develop a clearer picture of our own motives and desires. Third, waiting builds perseverance – spiritual stamina. Fourth, waiting opens the door to develop many spiritual strengths. Fifth, waiting allows God to put down other pieces in the puzzle of the bigger picture. Sixth, we may never know the reason we have to wait; hence we learn to live by faith. Seven, waiting helps us to understand God’s ways better as we realize that His ways and timings are perfect.

What does the story of the conflict between David and Saul teach us about why it is good to wait for God?

It teaches us a valuable lesson about why it is very important to wait for God. ‘God’s gifts are best received from God’s hand and in His time.

What happens when we rush?

When we rush we can easily find ourselves in the wrong place, outside God’s plan. It pays to be patient.

What does it mean to “take delight in the LORD”?

It involves trusting God perfectly, Psalm 37 expresses it thus. Rather than trying to sort things out just trust God completely to solve the issue for you.

In Conclusion,

It pays to wait patiently on the Lord knowing that God can be trusted and at the right time it will all come to pass what He has promised. I pray that God gives us the patience to wait for Him in Jesus’ name.