Have you ever said, 'I'm just waiting on God'? You've prayed about a decision, a relationship, or an opportunity, but nothing seems to change. Months pass, maybe even years, and you wonder, 'Lord, why haven't You moved?' But here's something to consider: What if God has been speaking through His Word, and we haven't fully understood what He's saying?
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus to Christ, to another edition of The Bible Speaks, where we're studying God's word together. Have you ever said, I'm just waiting on God? You prayed about a
[00:01:24] decision, a relationship, or an opportunity, but nothing seems to change. Months pass, maybe even years. And you wonder, Lord, why haven't you moved? But here's something to consider. What if God has been speaking through his word, and we haven't fully
[00:01:47] understood what he's saying? Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for your word and Holy Spirit. Open our hearts today. Teach us to seek understanding rather than simply the answer we want. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen. Today's message is titled, Are
[00:02:13] You Waiting on God? Our inspiration comes from Proverbs chapter 4, verse 7. And from the King James Version, it reads, Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore, get wisdom. And with all thy getting, get understanding. We often describe wisdom as the application of knowledge. But if
[00:02:41] we know what a verse says without understanding what it means, how do we know we're applying it correctly? Knowledge gives us information. Understanding helps us grasp its meaning. Wisdom guides how we live. Without understanding, we can be sincere, busy, and well-intentioned,
[00:03:04] and still heading the wrong direction. In our earlier message, Waiting on God, we discussed how waiting doesn't mean doing nothing. It means seeking counsel from the one who knows. Yet, when we interpret wait through our natural thinking, we may stand still, expecting God to make every
[00:03:27] decision. When he's inviting us to seek wisdom, prepare, and take faithful steps. That's why we must do more than read the Bible. We must study it. 2 Timothy 2:15 calls us to rightly divide the word of truth. Ezra chapter 7 verse 10 tells us that Ezra prepared his heart to seek God's law,
[00:03:55] do it, and teach it. Notice the order. He didn't skip understanding just to get to the activity. How do we do that? Ask who's speaking to whom and why. Read a passage in context. Use commentaries for background and concordances to explore words and related scriptures. Attend Bible study. Ask questions.
[00:04:24] Then meditate and pray, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the word. Nehemiah 8 and 8 describes God's law being read and explained so the people can understand it. Isn't that encouraging? God doesn't ask to pretend we understand everything immediately. He gives us his word, his spirit, and people who can help us learn.
[00:04:52] And here's the connection to our everyday lives. Perhaps you're asking God to open a door while overlooking the gifts he's already given you. Romans 12 and 6 reminds us that believers have different gifts according to God's grace. As our understanding grows, we become better equipped to recognize those gifts, serve others, and take responsibility for what's already in front of us.
[00:05:20] Psalm 37:23 says, The steps of a good man are ordered by God. That speaks of God's guidance, not trouble-free life. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean on our own understanding, but to acknowledge him in all our ways. That doesn't mean refusing to think. It means allowing his truth to reshape our thinking.
[00:05:49] Not every difficult season results from misunderstanding scripture. Faithful people sometimes endure long seasons of waiting. But sometimes we call our inactivity waiting on God, because we haven't understood what he's already placed before us. Instead of asking, Why won't God move? Perhaps we should ask, Lord, what do I need to understand? And what have you already given me to do?
[00:06:19] Here's my encouragement this week. Choose one area where you feel stuck. Study the passage you've been relying on. Pray. Talk with a mature believer. And write down one faithful step. Don't confuse activity with obedience. But don't confuse inactivity with patience either. You may be saying, I'm waiting on God. But perhaps at this moment, God is waiting on you.
[00:06:49] To seek understanding, recognize your gifts, and take the next step in faith. Father God, forgive us when we settle for knowing your word without understanding them. Give us wisdom, and with all our getting, give us understanding. Help us study faithfully, listen to your spirit, and use our gifts to serve others. Order our steps,
[00:07:18] and give us courage to follow. In Jesus Christ's name we pray. Amen. I thank you for spending time with me on today, and I look forward to our conversation next Sunday. Until then, God bless. The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group
[00:07:47] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth. If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone. You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more. Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online. You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582,
[00:08:18] Ocala, Florida, 34478, or by email at thebiblespeaksonlineatgmail.com.