God Will Hear Those Who Wait Patiently

By Wilma Hendrick

David the psalmist has just declared to the Lord how he will keep his mouth with a bridle when he is in the presence of his enemies. David deals with the issues of life, pride, the vanity of riches. He says his hope is in God. He asks God for deliverance from transgression and from the foolish man. Realizing his lack of wisdom, he asks God to help him to know the measure of his days, how frail he is. He asks for strength to be able to walk as a sojourner in this land (Psa 39). Then he states, (O blessed thought)  "I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psa 40:1).

Dear gentle sister, do we not struggle with the same things in our daily life? What a lesson for us. What an example for us to follow.

"In waiting I waited." That is, "I continued to wait." It was not a single, momentary act of expectation or hope; it was continuous; or, was persevered in. The idea is that his prayer was not answered at once, but that it was answered after he had made repeated prayers, or when it seemed as if his prayers would not be answered. It is earnest, persevering prayer that is referred to; it is continued supplication and hope when there seemed to be no answer to prayer, and no prospect that it would be answered.” (Barnes Notes)

Please remember the parable in Lk.18. The widow who came to the unjust Judge for avenging of her adversary. The judge, though he feared not God nor regarded man, decided because of the weariness that she would cause him, granted her the request she sought. The wonderful verse that gives us such hope is “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bears with them long? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily!” (7, 8)

Sisters in Christ, we must not give up in our praying. An answer will come! Our family, the Church, and nation depend on us. God is pleading with us, do not give up!

Jesus said; In your patience possess your souls (Lk.21:19). Our very souls are at stake. Satan trembles when saints get on their knees. The power of a praying woman is often not known. Think of all the great victories won in the past through persevering prayer. Here are some that come to mind: Hezekiah and the great deliverance from the Assyrians (II Kings 19:15-19), his prayer for extended life (II Kings 20), Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16).

Let us hear the instruction of the Hebrew writer:

But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Heb. 6:9-12)