Tuesday, January 28, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: John 17

Exodus 32:1
When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt."

Waiting for the miracle of pregnancy felt like an unbearable test of faith after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of two precious babies that my husband and I will never hold this side of heaven. Each passing month brought a mix of fragile hope and crushing disappointment, with worry becoming a constant companion.

I found myself wrestling with relentless questions:

Did God hear my prayers?

Was something wrong with me?

Why me?

Though my heart longed to trust God’s timing, the waiting felt endless. The temptation to focus on what I could control was strong, pulling me away from fully leaning into God’s sovereignty.

The Israelites faced a similar struggle in Exodus 32. They had witnessed incredible miracles—the Red Sea parting, manna from heaven, and God’s provision every step of the way. Yet, when Moses took longer than expected on Mount Sinai, they panicked. Fear replaced faith. Their waiting turned into worry, and their worry turned into actions outside of God’s plan. They created a golden calf, placing their faith in something tangible because they couldn’t see what God was doing.

Waiting can test all of us. Whether it’s waiting for healing, an answer to prayer, or the fulfillment of a deep longing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worrying and acting impulsively to regain a sense of control. But God is not idle in our waiting. He is working in unseen ways, shaping our hearts and preparing us for what’s to come.

Looking back on that season of waiting, I now see how God was with me in the struggle. He used that time to draw me closer to him, teaching me to trust his goodness, even when I didn’t understand his timing. When I finally held my newborn baby in my arms, the joy was sweeter because I had witnessed God’s faithfulness through the wait.

If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. God sees you, loves you, and is working on your behalf. Instead of letting worry take root, lean into him. Trust that he is writing a story far greater than you can imagine.

Questions:
In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God’s timing, and how can you surrender those worries to him this week?

How has God shown his faithfulness to you in past seasons of waiting, and how can reflecting on those moments encourage you in your current journey?

Next Steps:
This week, set aside ten minutes each day to pray specifically about the area where you’re waiting on God. During this time, thank him for his past faithfulness, surrender your worries to him, and ask for peace and trust in his perfect timing. Write down one way you see his presence or provision each day as a reminder that he is with you, even in the waiting. Then come back next week to keep leaning in and growing in God’s word.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise you for being faithful and unchanging, even when my circumstances feel overwhelming. Thank you for loving me and walking with me, especially in seasons of waiting. I confess that I often let worry take over and struggle to trust your timing. Please forgive me and help me to lean on your promises instead of my fears. Today, I surrender my doubts and my need for control to you. Help me to see your hand at work in my life and to trust that you are always working for my good and your glory. Give me patience, peace, and a heart that rests in your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

This post was written by Monique Myers, a Perrsysburg attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.