Introduction

  • I Peter 5:7
  • Romans 12:12
  • I John 5:14-15

Waiting allows us to build our trust in Him.

  • Genesis 12:2, 4; 21:5 – Abraham and Sarah waited a long time for Isaac.
  • I Samuel 16:12; II Samuel 5:4 – David waited a long time before becoming king.
  • Sometimes God expects us just to wait.

Suffering produces endurances.

  • James 1:2
  • Job 42:6; 40:1-2; 42:7-8 – Job handled himself very well. God repeatedly calls him, “my servant Job” – a great compliment!
  • James 5:10-11

Sometimes God simply says “No,” and we should remember that He knows all, and we don’t.

  • II Kings 6:15-17
  • II Corinthians 12:7-10 – God said no to keep Paul from exalting himself.
  • Ephesians 1:16-19; 6:18-20
  • Note: Praying does not relieve us of responsibility. We must pray, then get up and get to work.