“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalms 37:7 NLT

 “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 NLT

 I recently “planted a seed.” No, not a literal seed. But I sent out a small thing that I hope will bring back a harvest. That seed is surrounded by prayer. How and when will God answer that prayer and what should I do while I’m waiting?

Another seed: I finally wrote a book! Years ago, God gave me the seed of an idea as I prepared a sermon. It took a while for me to plant that seed in writing and then for the seed to germinate as I developed the ideas. Now, I’ve begun to see sprouts and am learning how to tend the seed for growth. Soon, the plant will be developed and bear fruit. The book will be published before the end of 2024. I am planning for December 1st. If you would like to receive email alerts about the book, click here.

Are you waiting for a harvest, too? What can you do while waiting for an answer? If you have planted a seed of prayer or action, there are things you can do while you wait.

Work. Being still before the Lord does not mean you plant yourself in a chair and stay there until the answer comes. It doesn’t mean you stare at the seed until you see a sprout. Being still before the Lord means you quiet the inner need to make something happen. It means you step back, open your hands, and let Him lead the way.

In the meantime, you work. You don’t work to make the seed grow. You do the normal work of living and follow God's prompts regarding the harvest you are waiting for.

He may direct you to take an action. Perhaps you need to make a phone call or have a conversation. You may need to move money from one account to another. Or you may need to begin taking the prescription the doctor wrote for you. Take the steps God shows you to take without adding your own.

Wait. Waiting is hard, but it is active, not passive. Waiting for God to move is an act of trust. It may involve positioning yourself in a place to receive. Think of it this way. On a day when the sun is scorching and you want relief, you position yourself under a hose nozzle while someone turns the knob on the faucet. Then you wait for the rush of water to cool you off.

Waiting for God to act means positioning yourself to receive from Him. That may mean you make some inner attitude adjustments. Waiting gives you time to reflect and listen for what God may be saying. Waiting may reveal an unresolved relationship or unmet expectations. When God seems slow to act, patience looks for what He is doing now. Don’t miss Him, Friend!

Watch. Did your kindergarten class plant seeds in half-pint milk cartons? Mine did. My five-year-old self was excited and anxious to see my seed grow. Day after day I’d walk to the sunny windowsill and look for a speck of green. Disappointing days passed. I’d return to my desk chair and go on with class. Did I stop going to the window after the first disappointment? No! I kept going back. Why? Because I expected something to happen. Finally, the tiniest green leaves appeared above the black soil inside the white milk carton skin.

Watching for God to act is an expression of hope and trust. To hope is to wait with expectation. When I hope in God, I wait expecting He will do something. I’ve learned that hope in God means I expect Him to act for my good, not necessarily what I want. Waiting in trust means I believe, whatever the outcome, God is for me, and He loves me.

Whatever seed you have planted, He is the one who makes it grow. Don’t stop looking for sprouts!

Dear Friend, what seed have you planted? A job application? A treatment plan? A relationship with a friend, family member, or potential love interest? The seeds that you plant will produce something. But all you can do is plant. You do the work. Then you wait with expectation and watch for God to make it grow.  And He will!

 Key Question: When will I see the answer to my prayer?

A Scripture to Consider: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalms 37:7 NLT

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 NLT

A YES Challenge: What is one prayer you are waiting for God to answer? What does being still look like for you? What will you commit to do while you wait?

Prayer: Father, I get tired of waiting for results. I want to see the seed grow now! But I can’t make the seed produce anything. That is Your job, not mine. Help me trust You as I work, wait, and watch. I will keep doing what I know to do. I will actively wait and hold on to hope. I will keep my eyes open and look for You. I believe You are at work and You will bring a harvest from my little seed. Amen.