Following up from yesterday’s thought, I’d like to suggest another idea of what waiting on God is. Consider Habakkuk 2:3…
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Think about waiting on God in three terms… a sentry at his post, a waiter/waitress in a restaurant, and a mother hen (Yes… a mother hen!).
When a sentry is at his post he is watching for an approaching enemy. His responsibility is to look, keep watch, and sound the alarm if an enemy approaches. Though he is waiting… he is busy. He is anything but idle.
A waiter/waitress does not just stand by the table and watch. They are very busy taking orders… communicating the diner’s request to the cook… bringing drinks… and serving. Waiting involves a lot of activity.
A mother hen sitting on her nest of eggs may seem not to be doing anything, but she is providing a vital function in keeping the eggs warm so they will hatch at the appointed time. She sits… doing what she’s supposed to do… and waiting for what will eventually come in the form of her chicks. She is waiting… but active at the same time (So to speak).
As God’s people we are at times called on to wait for God. This does not mean to do nothing, but to be active doing His will where we are as faithful servants until the time comes when God acts. Waiting faithfully on God does not mean inactivity, but rather faithful service until God’s next purpose for life is revealed. Then we act upon that.