Perhaps the most important lesson we can learn about waiting on the Lord that we can learn comes from a group of people that we can most relate to, Christians in the church of Jesus Christ still struggling on this earth. In the context of Hebrews 9, Christ is compared to the high priest who would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of his people.

“Timing is everything,” is a common phrase that is true in many areas of life. When we pray, our sense of timing generally defaults to, “the sooner the better.” The issue with waiting on the Lord is basically that my sense of timing and God’s perfect timing are different. They are at odds with each other. In Psalm 62, David teaches us to be relaxed in God’s timing. In verse 8, David speaks to his people and gives two general principles to follow during a time of waiting on the Lord.

Revelation 6:9-11 reveals the opening of the fifth seal found in the great scroll that only the Lamb of God can open. This seal revealed tribulation saints that had been, “slain for the word of God and the witness they had borne.” They were crying out for retribution and for the justice of God to prevail. They set a perfect example for us on how to perfectly wait upon the Lord. They have now seen Christ face to face, which means their sanctification has been completed. Waiting isn’t passive, docile, or lifeless for them, it is an intensive and focused activity. Here are seven examples given by the martyrs in heaven on how to wait on the Lord.

As we consider what it means to wait on the Lord and to go through suffering without knowing the reason or the solution, you may begin to conclude that the Lord might not be resolving this issue in this lifetime. This would put you in good company, as Hebrews 11 is filled with faithful people who were all waiting for things beyond their own lifespan. Perhaps the key aspect of waiting that is so difficult is that waiting means that God is in control and you are not. The book of Habakkuk teaches us how to think properly about three important issues regarding waiting on the Lord. Perhaps the key aspect of waiting that is so difficult is that waiting means that God is in control and you are not.

By chapter 39 of Genesis, Joseph had gone from the head shepherd of a growing shepherding empire to a slave, to a prisoner. These were not the circumstances that Joseph had been hoping for, yet he teaches us some great lessons. While you’re waiting on the Lord, it can be tempting to have such an eye on the future fantasy fulfillments of all your hopes and wishes that you become less useful and helpful now. Joseph’s lesson for us is to be a blessing now while you are waiting. Here are 3 ways to do so.

Anna is only mentioned in three verses in Luke, but her story brings hope to all who might be suffering loss. Luke 2:36 says that she became a widow from a young age and lived a long single life at least into her 80s. She went from being an honored member of society through marriage, to becoming one of the most heartbroken members, a widow. However, Anna paints a picture of joy and peace in the Lord through her love of these 5 things.

1 Kings 18 tells the story of Obadiah who was serving a wicked king that hunted down the prophets of God. This king was anticipating the righteous king who is the prophet of God predicted back in Deuteronomy 18. Obadiah is told to tell the wicked king Ahab of Elijah’s whereabouts, but he is terrified for his own life. In this passage we can see 5 sources for spiritual courage that Obadiah drew from, and you can as well.

Paul endured more suffering than many of us will ever experience, yet he was faithful to the gospel in every situation. He did not waste his time of suffering and waiting, he used it to further the gospel and serve the Lord. In Acts 28 we see three examples of how Paul used difficult times to be faithful to the gospel.

Does suffering provide the Christian with justification for bad behavior? The apostle Peter would say absolutely not! 1 Peter 1:13-16 tells what the Christian’s responsibility is during times of suffering. He is to prepare his mind for action, namely the action of conducting himself in maturity and obedience to Christ to seek and strive after holiness.

Jeremiah 29:11 has been taken out of context many times, but there is still great truth embedded in this wonderful chapter of Scripture. Israel is about a decade into a 70-year exile, and many of them will not live to see the return to Jerusalem. However, that did not mean that they should just waste the remainder of their lives.