And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” MARK 8:22-26 ESV
Jesus is worth the wait
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 PETER 3:9 ESV
I wait for your salvation, O Lord. GENESIS 49:18 ESV
He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. GENESIS 8:10 ESV
The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there. EXODUS 24:12 ESV
And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. HEBREWS 6:15 ESV
He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 1 SAMUEL 13:8 ESV
Stay focused on Jesus as you wait
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! PSALM 37:7 ESV
Ask Jesus to give you clarity while you wait
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. PSALM 25:5 ESV
But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. PSALM 38:15 ESV
Waiting on the Lord:
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! PSALM 27:14 ESV
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. ROMANS 8:25 ESV
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. PSALM 40:1 ESV
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. LAMENTATIONS 3:25-26 ESV
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ISAIAH 40:31 ESV
Keep an open mind as to how Jesus might heal you
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. PSALM 39:7 ESV
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take a few moments to intentionally slow down, releasing any burdens from the day. As you do this, invite God into this time. Do you believe that God genuinely wants good for you? Sit with this question for a while, and press into any doubts that may surface, bringing these to God. In our age of immediacy, what feelings surface as you think about the possibility that God wants you to wait for him (and his timing) to grant you the miracle you are requesting? How would adopting a servant’s mindset potentially change things?
Next, pray for courage in your waiting. Ask God for the strength and resolve to worship him in the waiting, pursuing genuine relationship with him in the process. Write down your reflections below, sharing with the group if you feel comfortable.
Discussion Questions
- PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by doing the Personal Reflection Guide (found on the front page of the notes). Use this time to process your own experiences in waiting on God. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
- REAL WITH SELF: Recall a time in which God did not grant your prayer request (for a miracle, for a change in circumstances, etc.) right away. What did you learn from this experience?
- REAL WITH GOD: Do you only come to God when you need something? When was the last time you simply had a conversation with Jesus?
- REAL WITH GOD: Read Lamentations 3:25-26 NLT. Waiting teaches us that what we need most is God—not what we’re asking him for. How can you stay focused on Jesus as you wait?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: How has your experience with the pain of waiting helped you to minister to others who are also experiencing suffering?
- TAKE ACTION: Read Psalm 37:7 NLT. Impatience and comparison can be major distractors from experiencing what God has for us. What practical things can you do this week to slow down and focus on Jesus this week?
