Trusting God in the Waiting
Trusting God in the Waiting
Speaker: Pastor Lee Cummings
Date: December 1, 2024
As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded that the waiting season has purpose and preparation. Pastor Lee Cummings delivers a meaningful reminder that God is always on time, even when we may feel delayed. When our faith feels the most tested, this is when we can step into deeper faithfulness and trust.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Trusting God in the Waiting
Reading: Luke 1:5-25
Devotional: Zechariah and Elizabeth's story reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed to us. Their years of waiting for a child weren't wasted; they were preparation for a greater purpose. As you face your own seasons of waiting, remember that God is weaving a tapestry in your life, even when you can't see the full picture. Today, reflect on areas where you're waiting on God. How might He be working behind the scenes? Ask for the strength to trust His timing and purpose, even when it's difficult to understand.
Day 2: Faith in the Face of Doubt
Reading: Mark 9:14-29
Devotional: The father's cry, "I believe; help my unbelief!" resonates with our own struggles of faith. Like Zechariah questioning the angel, we often waver between belief and doubt. Yet God's faithfulness isn't dependent on the strength of our faith. Today, be honest with God about your doubts and struggles. Remember that even a small amount of faith in a perfect God is powerful. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and help you trust Him more fully, especially in areas where you feel uncertain.
Day 3: God's Mercy in Our Limitations
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: Elizabeth's pregnancy in her old age demonstrates God's power to work beyond human limitations. Paul's thorn in the flesh reminds us that God's grace is sufficient in our weaknesses. Where do you feel limited or inadequate? Today, instead of focusing on your shortcomings, consider how God might use them to display His power and grace. Thank Him for being strong when you are weak, and ask for eyes to see how He might work through your limitations.
Day 4: Preparing the Way
Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5
Devotional: John the Baptist's role was to prepare the way for Jesus. Similarly, our lives can point others to Christ. Reflect on how God might be using your circumstances, even difficult ones, to prepare you or others for a greater purpose. How can you be more intentional about preparing the way for others to encounter Jesus? Ask God to use your life as a testimony of His grace and to help you recognize opportunities to point others to Him.
Day 5: Joy in God's Faithfulness
Reading: Psalm 30
Devotional: Zechariah and Elizabeth's story ends in joy and praise for God's faithfulness. Psalm 30 reminds us that joy comes after seasons of weeping. As you reflect on your own life, can you identify times when God has turned your mourning into dancing? Even if you're currently in a difficult season, hold onto the promise that joy will come. Today, practice gratitude by listing specific ways God has been faithful to you. Let this fuel your hope for the future and strengthen your trust in His ongoing work in your life.