Spring 1973
Waiting Christians

Author Unknown

A certain missionary always gave the first hour in the day to diligent prayer, but seemingly God was not revealing Himself to his heart’s satisfaction. He began to consider the matter—what was wrong? Careful study of his problem brought the realization he was doing all the talking and God had no chance to talk to him.

He resolved, “Lord, from now on I am going to pray five minutes and the other fifty-five minutes I am going to wait upon you to talk to me!” He reasoned it was more important to hear from God than God needed to hear from Him! After all, five minutes of unadorned, concentrated petition would cover the hour of praying he usually did.

This revolutionized his entire spiritual life. His ‘waiting” period became rich with praises and adoration between periods of complete stillness before God. He was immersed in the sea of His Presence. As he learned to tune his ears to listen, God spoke to him, giving direct guidance and wisdom in such a richly rewarding way.

Fellowship with anyone is a two-way affair, and so it is with God. We talk to Him and given a chance, He will talk to us. This, in no way, rules out intercession for souls or a burden of prayer for specific needs. These have their place, but entirely too often “waiting” has had no place at all.