Waiting on God

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40: 28-31 (NIV)

I enjoy doing crossword puzzles. It helps keep my brain functioning as I get older. Sometimes, I will look at a clue and any letters I have and just go blank. I cannot imagine what the answer is. When that happens (probably more than it should), I tell myself to walk away for a while, get my mind off it, and then come back later. Most of the time, this new perspective opens my eyes and brain to a quick solution. Waiting and refocusing gives me clearer vision.

Sometimes life gets that way. I look at a situation and simply cannot figure out the problem, let alone the solution. My brain goes into a fog. My heart cannot get its priorities in order, and I am frozen without a clue of which way to go. What should I do? Well, like solving a crossword puzzle clue, I should probably step back from it for a while.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you have a new job opportunity, but you don’t know whether to take it or not; or you have to choose which program to get into at college, and you see benefits in both. Perhaps your marriage is struggling and you don't see a way to make things better; or you have a major decision to make, but you are stuck in time not knowing which way to go.

Try this:

1. Step back from it for a little while.

2. Enter into a time of serious prayer and seek God’s direction. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone. – Matthew 14:23 (NIV)

3. Seek the counsel of discerning believers whom you trust. This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. – Acts 15:2 (NIV)

4. Step forward in faith knowing that God goes with you and will direct you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverb 3:5-6 (NIV)

God doesn’t rush us to figure it all out. He invites us to wait, to seek, and to trust. Like stepping away from a tough crossword puzzle, sometimes clarity comes when we slow down and shift our focus. When we choose to pause, pray, and pursue wisdom, the fog begins to lift.

Action: List the names of three believers whose wisdom you value. If you cannot name three, then ask God to bring those people into your life.

Bonus Clue: What 10 letter discipline can help you determine direction for your life? (Two words)
Answer: BIBLESTUDY

Enjoy your next crossword puzzle and the clarity that comes when you let God lead.

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!