Humble Obedience: Waiting on God’s Timing Without Striving

It reminds us that spiritual maturity is not about outward displays of faith but about quietly and faithfully fulfilling the role God has assigned until He calls us to more.

Let’s unpack this thought with Scripture and practical application.

1. Do Not Try to Prove You Are Spiritual

The Bible consistently warns against pride and self-promotion in matters of faith. Instead, we are called to live humbly and let our actions speak for themselves.

  • Spirituality is Proven by Fruit, Not Performance: True spirituality isn’t about how we appear to others but about the fruit we produce. Jesus said:

    "By their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16).
    Striving to "prove" one’s spirituality often stems from pride, which leads to striving for human approval rather than God’s.

  • God Opposes the Proud: Pride in trying to showcase spirituality can lead to spiritual downfall. James reminds us:

    "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (James 4:6).

  • Jesus Modeled Humility: Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He never flaunted His spiritual authority. Instead, He remained humble, saying,

    "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me" (John 6:38).

2. Stay Where You Are Until You Are Sent

Waiting for God’s timing is a key theme throughout Scripture. Often, God calls His people to wait and grow before sending them into greater responsibilities.

  • Biblical Examples of Waiting:

    • Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before God sent him to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).
    • David was anointed king as a young man but waited years, enduring trials, before ascending the throne (1 Samuel 16 and 2 Samuel 2).
    • Jesus Himself waited 30 years before beginning His public ministry.

  • Waiting Builds Character: The waiting season is not wasted; it’s a time of preparation. As Paul writes:

    "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing" (James 1:4).

  • Do Not Move Without God’s Guidance: Acting prematurely, before God sends us, can lead to disaster. Proverbs warns:

    "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
    Waiting ensures that we are in alignment with God’s plans.

Practical Application

  1. Serve Faithfully in the Present: Focus on what God has placed before you now. Colossians 3:23 says:

    "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

  2. Guard Against Spiritual Pride: Remember that all spiritual growth is a work of God’s grace, not our own efforts. Paul writes:

    "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31).

  3. Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer:

    • Pray for clarity about your calling. Psalm 27:14 encourages:

      "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

    • Trust that God will open the right doors at the right time.

  4. Be Obedient When Called: When God sends you, go in obedience and humility, not self-ambition. Like Isaiah, be ready to say, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

Closing Thought

True spirituality isn’t about proving oneself but about faithfully walking with God, trusting His timing, and letting Him guide every step. Remember, God’s preparation time is never wasted—it’s building you into the person He’s calling you to be.

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your perfect timing and the reminder to stay humble and faithful where You have placed us. Teach us to wait on You, trusting that You will send us at the right time for the right purpose. Your Word says, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Help us to resist the temptation to prove ourselves and instead live to please You alone. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen. 

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