31 Examples Of Those Who Waited On The Lord
Inside: Examples of those who waited on the Lord.
Throughout my personal journey of faith, moments of waiting and seeking have often led me to the pages of the Bible. Time and time again, I’m captivated by the heartfelt stories of biblical figures who, amidst uncertainties and long seasons of silence, chose to wait with unwavering hope and deep-seated patience for God’s promises to unfold.
Their narratives, filled with trials, triumphs, and lessons, not only provide a blueprint for my own spiritual walk but also remind me of the timeless nature of God’s faithfulness and perfect timing.
See the examples of those who waited on the Lord below.
Examples Of Those Who Waited On The Lord
Who in the Bible waited on God? Let’s look at several examples of those who waited on the Lord.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous stories of individuals who demonstrated patience and faith while waiting on the Lord’s guidance or intervention. Here are several notable examples:
- Abraham and Sarah:
- Situation: They waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son, Isaac.
- Passage: Genesis 12-21
- Joseph:
- Situation: Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and then wrongly imprisoned in Egypt. Throughout all these challenges, he maintained his faith in God’s plan.
- Passage: Genesis 37-50
- Moses:
- Situation: He spent 40 years in the desert before being called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The journey to the Promised Land also took 40 years.
- Passage: Exodus
- Hannah:
- Situation: She prayed fervently for a child and waited patiently for God to answer her prayers. She was blessed with Samuel.
- Passage: 1 Samuel 1-2
- David:
- Situation: Anointed as king as a young man, David had to wait many years and face numerous trials, including persecution by King Saul, before finally becoming the king of Israel.
- Passage: 1 & 2 Samuel
- Job:
- Situation: Job endured immense suffering and loss, but he continued to trust in God and wait for His restoration.
- Passage: Book of Job
- Prophetess Anna:
- Situation: Anna, an elderly widow, spent her days at the temple praying and fasting. She waited for the redemption of Israel and was blessed to see the baby Jesus.
- Passage: Luke 2:36-38
- Apostles:
- Situation: After Jesus’ resurrection, He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- Passage: Acts 1-2
- Noah:
- Situation: Noah waited 120 years while building the ark. People mocked him, but he remained faithful, trusting God’s warning of the coming flood.
- Passage: Genesis 6-9
- Jeremiah:
- Situation: The weeping prophet, Jeremiah often faced rejection and persecution for delivering God’s messages. Yet, he remained patient and steadfast.
- Passage: Book of Jeremiah
- Daniel:
- Situation: Whether it was his time in the lion’s den, his service under various kings, or his prophetic visions, Daniel consistently trusted and waited on God.
- Passage: Book of Daniel
- Ruth:
- Situation: After her husband’s death, Ruth clung to her mother-in-law Naomi and chose to follow the God of Israel. Her patience and loyalty were rewarded as she later became the great-grandmother of King David.
- Passage: Book of Ruth
- Esther:
- Situation: Esther patiently and courageously waited for the right moment to approach the king to save her people, the Jews, from extermination.
- Passage: Book of Esther
- Paul:
- Situation: After his conversion, Paul didn’t immediately begin his ministry. He spent time in Arabia and then returned to Damascus. Throughout his ministry, he also experienced waiting periods in prison where he wrote many of the New Testament letters.
- Passage: Acts & various letters (epistles) in the New Testament.
- Lazarus:
- Situation: Lazarus had to wait four days in death before Jesus raised him from the dead, showcasing God’s glory.
- Passage: John 11
- Abraham and Sarah:
- Situation: They waited for many years for the birth of Isaac, the son God promised them. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 when Isaac was finally born.
- Passage: Genesis 15-21
- Simeon and Anna:
- Situation: Both Simeon and Anna waited in the temple for the consolation of Israel. They were rewarded by seeing the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple.
- Passage: Luke 2:25-38
- The Ten Virgins:
- Situation: In one of Jesus’ parables, ten virgins wait for the bridegroom, but only five are prepared when he comes. This story teaches about the importance of readiness and patience.
- Passage: Matthew 25:1-13
- Zechariah and Elizabeth:
- Situation: Both were righteous in God’s sight but were childless due to Elizabeth’s barrenness. They waited faithfully, and in their old age, were blessed with a son, John the Baptist.
- Passage: Luke 1:5-25
- The Israelites in Egypt:
- Situation: The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, crying out for deliverance. Eventually, God responded by sending Moses to lead them to freedom.
- Passage: Exodus 1-12
- Jacob:
- Situation: Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel, only to be deceived into marrying her sister, Leah. He then worked another seven years for Rachel. His patience and long waiting period led to the establishment of the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Passage: Genesis 29
- The Jews in Babylonian Exile:
- Situation: The Israelites were exiled in Babylon for 70 years as a result of their disobedience. They longed and prayed for a return to their homeland.
- Passage: Books of Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezra
- Jonah:
- Situation: Although Jonah initially ran from God’s call, he eventually ended up in the belly of a giant fish for three days. In the darkness and despair, Jonah turned to God in prayer and repentance.
- Passage: Book of Jonah
- The Prodigal Son:
- Situation: While this is a parable, the waiting element is evident in the father’s character. He patiently waited for his wayward son’s return, exemplifying God’s patience with us.
- Passage: Luke 15:11-32
- Isaiah:
- Situation: Isaiah was a prophet in a time when the people of Judah were straying from God. He conveyed God’s messages, often without seeing immediate change or response, and prophesied about events that would come long after his time.
- Passage: Book of Isaiah
- Habakkuk:
- Situation: Habakkuk wrestled with understanding why God would allow wickedness and injustice to prevail. He learned to wait on God’s answers and found strength in Him.
- Passage: Book of Habakkuk
- Nehemiah:
- Situation: When he learned about the ruined state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah waited, prayed, and fasted before approaching the king of Persia for permission to rebuild it.
- Passage: Book of Nehemiah
- Joseph of Arimathea:
- Situation: He was a member of the Jewish ruling council who was “waiting for the kingdom of God.” After Jesus’ death, he courageously asked Pilate for Jesus’ body to give Him a proper burial.
- Passage: Mark 15:43
- The Samaritan Woman at the Well:
- Situation: Though not explicitly mentioned as “waiting,” her conversation with Jesus indicates a longing and expectation for the Messiah. Jesus reveals Himself to her, fulfilling that anticipation.
- Passage: John 4
- Mordecai:
- Situation: Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, discovered a plot to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire. He and Esther patiently devised a plan and relied on God to save their people.
- Passage: Book of Esther
- The Believers Before Pentecost:
- Situation: After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples and other believers waited in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had instructed.
- Passage: Acts 1:4-5, 12-14; Acts 2
These stories highlight the virtue of patience and the reward of trusting in God’s timing and promises.
Waiting on the Lord often involves enduring periods of uncertainty, but these biblical figures demonstrate that God’s plans and purposes, while not always immediately evident, are always perfect in the end.
Who would you add to this list of examples of those who waited on the Lord ?
When the hours roll by and the sun refuses to rise, the waiting heart can nearly break. And yet, break it does not — at least not when held by God’s own hand. For as so many saints have discovered, God knows how to make rivers run through the wilderness of waiting, daily refreshing our driest hopes.
Desiring God
What Does The Bible Mean When It Says To Wait Upon The Lord
When the Bible talks about “waiting upon the Lord,” here’s what it’s basically saying:
- God’s Watch is Different: You know how sometimes we want things right now, but they don’t happen when we want? That’s because God has his own perfect timing. Just like waiting for the perfect moment to take a photo or shoot a basketball.
- Stay Chill During Rough Times: Sometimes life gets tough. But when the Bible says “wait on the Lord,” it’s like saying, “Hang in there! God’s got your back, and things will get better.”
- Stay Hyped for the Future: Waiting doesn’t mean just sitting around doing nothing. It’s like being super excited for a movie release. You’re still living your life, but you’re also super pumped for what’s coming.
- Keep Doing Your Thing: While you’re waiting, you still have stuff to do. Like, if you’re waiting for a pizza, you don’t just stand there. You might set the table, get drinks, or maybe choose a movie to watch. Similarly, waiting on God means keep living a good life, helping others, and just being you.
Think of it like this: Let’s say your favorite band is coming to town. You buy tickets months in advance. You don’t just freeze and do nothing until the concert day.
You keep living your life, maybe listen to their songs, get excited, maybe even invite friends. That’s what the Bible is talking about – keep doing good stuff, stay excited about God, and trust that the “concert” (or whatever God has for you) is gonna be totally worth the wait!
Check this out –>> When God Asks You To Wait
Why Wait For God
Alright, lovely ladies, let’s dive into this heart-to-heart!
- The Best Designer: Think of God as the ultimate designer. He’s got the blueprint for our lives. Just as you wouldn’t want to miss out on the latest fashion trend or the perfect pair of shoes, why miss out on the incredible plans God has tailored just for you?
- No More “Oops” Moments: We’ve all had those days—a fashion faux pas, a misjudged comment, or that cake that didn’t quite rise as it should. Waiting on God is a bit like having a divine intuition or a guiding whisper, helping us sidestep those cringy moments.
- Inner Glow Up: While facials, spa days, and that perfect shade of lipstick can give us a glow, waiting on God nourishes our inner selves. It brings a radiance that no highlighter can match!
- Gifts Beyond Our Wishlist: We all love pleasant surprises, whether it’s an unexpected compliment or finding that dress on sale. Waiting for God often means unwrapping blessings and joys we didn’t even know we wanted or needed.
- Sisterhood with a Divine Touch: Walking with God and waiting on His timing fosters a sense of sisterhood. It’s the bond we share, knowing we’re all guided and cherished by the same loving hand.
So, why wait for God? Because when we align our hearts with His rhythm, life becomes a dance of love, grace, and divine surprises.
Read This –>> Scriptures About Waiting On God
How Can You Wait For God
What can we learn about the above examples of those who waited on the Lord? Waiting for God isn’t just sitting around; it’s a proactive journey of trust and growth. So, how do we gracefully dance through this waiting period?
- Daily Chats with God: Imagine having coffee with your bestie every morning. Start your day with prayer – it’s like having a warm chat with God. Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and gratitude.
- Stay in the Spiritual Loop: Dive into the Bible, attend study groups, or listen to uplifting podcasts. It’s like keeping up with the latest trends, but for your soul!
- Journaling: Put pen to paper, ladies! Journaling is like capturing snapshots of your spiritual journey. You’d be amazed at the insights and patterns you’ll uncover.
- Soulful Gatherings: Spend time with fellow Christian women. It’s therapeutic to share, laugh, cry, and pray together. Think of it as a spiritual spa day with your girls.
- Serve with Love: Channel your energy into helping others. Volunteer, join a church group, or simply be there for someone. It’s like the joy of gifting – the happiness it brings is unmatched!
- Seek Wise Counsel: Sometimes, a fresh perspective or wise words can work wonders. Speak to spiritual mentors, pastors, or trusted friends who can guide and encourage you.
- Patience and Positivity: Embrace the wait as a time of growth. Cultivate patience like you’d nurture a plant, and stay positive, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect.
Remember, waiting for God isn’t a passive time-out; it’s an active, vibrant, and soul-enriching journey. So, let’s lace up our faith-shoes, uplift each other, and confidently stride forward, hand in hand with our Heavenly Father!
Check This Out –>> Wait On The Lord Journal
Prayer Points When Waiting On God
As we reflect on examples of those who waited on the Lord we are reminded that waiting on God is an intimate journey of faith and patience.
Here are 10 prayer points to guide and strengthen you during such times:
- Trust in God’s Timing:
- “Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect timing for every aspect of my life. Remind me that You see the bigger picture even when I can’t.”
- Strength and Patience:
- “Father, grant me the strength to endure and the patience to wait without becoming disheartened. Let me lean on You in moments of doubt.”
- Awareness of God’s Presence:
- “Dear God, in my moments of silence, make me constantly aware of Your comforting presence, knowing I’m never truly alone.”
- Openness to God’s Guidance:
- “Lord, as I wait, open my heart and mind to discern Your direction and guidance. Let me be receptive to the whispers of Your Spirit.”
- Thanksgiving for Past Faithfulness:
- “Father, I remember and thank You for times in the past when You’ve come through for me. Let those memories be a beacon of hope now.”
- Grace in Waiting:
- “Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to wait with a good attitude, reflecting Your love and peace to others even as I anticipate Your move.”
- Protection from Discouragement:
- “Heavenly Father, shield my heart from discouragement and doubts. Let Your truths drown out any negative thoughts or fears.”
- Wisdom in Decision-Making:
- “God, while I wait upon You, give me wisdom for any decisions I must make, ensuring they align with Your will and purpose for me.”
- Deepening of Faith:
- “Lord, use this time of waiting to deepen my faith, drawing me closer to You, and building a foundation that cannot be shaken.”
- Hope for the Future:
- “Dear God, fill my heart with hope for what lies ahead. Let me dream with the assurance that Your plans for me are for good and not for harm, to give me a future and a hope.”
Remember, these prayer points are just a guide. Personalize them, pour out your heart, and express your unique thoughts and feelings to God. He cherishes your honest communication.
In reflecting on examples of those who waited on the Lord, which story resonates most with your current season of life, and what hope or lesson can you draw from it for your own path forward? Let’s talk about it in my FB group, Coffee Talk For Christian Women.
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