The word “waiting” in the Bible can mean several things. But one aspect of waiting that is an integral part of true faith is an attitude of quiet, and yet, resolute expectancy, believing that God will answer, move, and accomplish His will in answer to prayer. In Psalm 130:6 we find the Psalmist declaring, “My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning.” The Psalmist sets himself to wait upon the Lord and just as the watchman is certain of the morning, so the Psalmist is CERTAIN concerning the Lord’s promises.
In 1 Kings 18:41-46, we find Elijah on top of Mt. Carmel, having “cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.” He was praying. Seven times he tells his servant go and look toward the sea, to see if there is anything on the horizon. It will be on the seventh time, that the servant will declare, “There ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” What motivated Elijah to continue in prayer? It is this… Elijah had formerly declared to the Lord, “…I have done all these things at THY word.” In this story, he has told wicked King Ahab, after three years without rain, that “…there is a sound of abundance of rain.” Elijah said this because the Lord told him that rain was coming. So, he went to Carmel and began to pray. But he prayed in a specific way…he prayed “waiting.” He was certain of the answer … just as the watchmen is for the morning.
In the letter of Paul to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes, “…Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING…let your requests be made known unto God…”(Phil. 4:6) Now, why do you think Paul adds the two words “with thanksgiving” to this admonition to pray? It is because a faith that is not expectant faith, is not faith. And if I am not willing to give thanks, the very declaration of receiving, then how can I say that I am praying in faith? In Mark’s gospel, chapter 11:24, the Lord Jesus declares this: “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” True prayer is “receiving” by faith, and “waiting,” with certainty, for its accomplishment.
Someone has said that it is as impossible to pray without the Holy Spirit, as it is to create a world. This is true. We cannot pray without the Holy Spirit guiding, and strengthening us to believe. The expectant faith that God calls us to exert is a faith that has its foundation in the faithfulness of God to do what He declares. It is also a faith that is strengthened by the Spirit, resolute and SURE that the promises of God are as real, and as immutable as God Himself. Lastly, it is a faith that is accompanied with the giving of thanks…for the request is received by faith.
So, let us trust Christ to teach us to pray by His Spirit. Let us believe Him to enable us to see clearly that which is His will, for His glory. And let us trust Him for the strength, not only to utter the words of prayer, but to be totally engaged with regard to their realization…with expectancy…with thanksgiving.
Lord Jesus, enable us to truly kneel like Elijah on Carmel, and pray with certainty…a certainty that transcends time and circumstance, and looks for the “small cloud,” that “beginning of the morning,” of Thy response. Enable us to live in this hope this day…filled with joyful expectancy. Amen.
Have a great “waiting with certainty” day.
Amen