Prayer when God’s timing doesn’t make sense
Rachel Britton
Bible reading:
Wait on the Lord. Be strong and have courage as you wait on the Lord. Psalm 27:14
Listen or read below:
Most of us like whatever we’re doing to be direct and short. We get frustrated when we have to wait or do something, especially when it doesn’t make sense.
Maybe you’re praying and applying for job after job, but you can’t see what’s ahead. Perhaps you have been supporting a friend or family member for a long time and are wondering when God will give them peace. Or maybe you’re living through a season of uncertainty, exhaustion, and never-ending.
When God’s ways are not as direct or quick as we would like, we can become disillusioned and disappointed in ourselves and God.
However, the Bible encourages us to trust God and His timing. If life is simple, this may be easy to do. But when life is difficult and we don’t see a clear path ahead, our trust in God can waver.
In the book of Exodus, the Israelites found themselves in this situation after the initial elation of their miraculous deliverance and deliverance from the Pharaoh of Egypt. They too were disappointed. But God’s way was not delay, but God’s protection, and the means by which they might see God’s glory.
Here are three ways to pray so you can learn how to be patient with God’s timing and glorify Him.
1. Believe in detours and pray
When Pharaoh led the Israelites out of Egypt, God led them “through the wilderness road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 13:18). This was not the shortest path. But God chose this path for their protection and well-being. He knew that if they traveled through the land of the Philistines and encountered war, they might become depressed and flee back to Egypt (Exodus 13:17).
When God’s path seems long or less direct, we can trust in detours. God guides us for our protection and well-being, so we don’t get discouraged and run away to the familiar.
2. Pray to see God at work
God was right. People will change their minds when faced with difficult challenges again. As Pharaoh and his army approached, the frightened Israelites complained to Moses that they should have stayed in Egypt. Suddenly, their slavery seemed a much safer place than their current situation. But Moses told them that if they were steadfast they would witness God’s miraculous works (Exodus 14:10-14).
When what we are facing seems overwhelming and scary, this is an opportunity to see God working on our behalf. He will fight for us.
3. Pray until you praise.
God’s pillar of cloud erected a barrier between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptians. God parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow people to pass through. God caused confusion among the pursuing Egyptian armies and destroyed them. No wonder the Israelites sang at that time: “God is my strength, God is my song, and yes! God is my salvation. I have a God like this and I tell the world!”
(Exodus 15:2 MSG).
When we trust God despite the detours and stand firm and see Him at work, prayer slowly turns into praise. We begin to see God’s strength, protection, and faithfulness in ways we could not see before. Pray until your heart can once again sing praises to the God who fights for you.
let’s pray
Lord God, when the road ahead feels uncertain, long, and tiring, I feel like I’m going to be depressed. Help me to trust Your direction for my life and Your timing for the situations I am facing. Even when Your path seems longer, less direct, or less meaningful than I would like, remember that You still guide me with wisdom, protection, and care. Give me the courage to stand firm when fear rises and the situation feels unbearable. In the middle of your day, open your eyes and see yourself at work that you might otherwise miss. Teach me to pray faithfully, that is, to wait on you. Help me to be strong even when I want to quit. I vow to wait for You until my heart is once again filled with praise for Your majesty, grace, and faithfulness. Amen.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Rachel Britton is a British-born award-winning author and speaker. Her passion is helping people find comfort and confidence in their daily conversations with God. Her latest book, Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God, is now available from Daily Bread Publishing. She is the creator of the Amazon Alexa skill “Alexa, say a prayer,” which provides an easy way for thousands of people to connect with God every day. Rachel is married with three adult children across too many time zones. Connect with Rachel on her blog rachelbritton.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
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