Topical Bible: Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In

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Waiting is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often serving as a test of faith and patience for the saints. The act of waiting is not merely a passive state but an active demonstration of trust in God's timing and promises. The scriptures provide numerous examples where the patience of God's people is tested, revealing the depth of their faith and reliance on divine providence.

Abraham and Sarah
One of the most notable examples of waiting is found in the account of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, yet he and Sarah waited many years for the birth of their son Isaac. Despite their advanced age and initial doubts, they ultimately witnessed the fulfillment of God's promise. As stated in Genesis 21:1-2 , "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him."

Joseph
Joseph's life is another testament to the virtue of waiting. Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph endured years of hardship before rising to a position of power. His patience and faithfulness during these trials were rewarded when he became second in command to Pharaoh, ultimately saving his family from famine. Genesis 50:20 reflects Joseph's understanding of God's timing: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

The Israelites
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a profound narrative of waiting. Their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness was a period of testing and preparation. Despite their frequent complaints and lapses in faith, God remained faithful to His covenant. Deuteronomy 8:2 reminds them, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

David
David, anointed as king while still a young shepherd, waited many years before ascending to the throne of Israel. During this time, he faced numerous challenges, including persecution by King Saul. David's psalms often reflect his reliance on God during these periods of waiting. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!"

New Testament Believers
In the New Testament, the theme of waiting continues as believers anticipate the return of Christ. The early church faced persecution and trials, yet they were encouraged to remain steadfast. James 5:7-8 exhorts, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near."

Conclusion
The biblical narrative consistently portrays waiting as a test of faith and character. Through the examples of Abraham, Joseph, the Israelites, David, and the early Christians, believers are reminded that waiting is an integral part of the spiritual journey. It is through waiting that the saints learn to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign will.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 69:3
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: my eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"The Time of Trouble. "
... For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ... about those who have kept the
word of Christ's patience. ... They are waiting the word of their Commander to ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ... about those who have kept the
word of Christ's patience. ... They are waiting the word of their Commander to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... of Christians is more than mere waiting for the ... adroit evasions and excuses being
often their sole ... that Christian slaves by their patience under suffering ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... relatives who have followed him to the grave, waiting for the ... May such seasons of
refreshing often return ... The subject was, The inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... is "perhaps not blameworthy," yet patience may cease ... examined Pelagius' contention
that many saints are enumerated ... to merit), that, without waiting for Pelagius ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

part i
... Remember that God, during your prayer, is waiting for your ... Writ and in the lives
of the Saints) and upon ... We often receive through prayer that which we have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm