God of Those Who Wait

As some of you know, I am in the midst of writing a devotional prayer book in which all prayers begin with "God, You are…". Today, here is a prayer for those of you who are in a waiting period: 

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. Ps 27:14

O God, You are the God of those who Wait.  Abraham waited for 25 years to receive his promised son… Joseph waited in Potiphar’s house and then in prison for a total of 11 years before he became the promised leader… Moses waited 40 years in the dessert before he went back to rescue his people from slavery…David waited at least 15 years before he was finally reigning as the king of Israel… And God, You waited patiently for the exact and appropriate hour to send the Savior of the world...Dear Lord, I confess, I hate to wait; I feel so useless and misplaced at times. Help me to learn from your servants of old. Give me a steadfast heart even in the midst of silence or suffering. Remind me that You are at work even in what seems like the darkest, loneliest hour. You promise that tribulations bring about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character hope, and hope does not disappoint. Yes God, I do know, You are in the midst of my waiting. And I do know that during this time You are refining me for the purpose of Your kingdom. You see my potential, and in the quiet, You are building new and beautiful things into me. So therefore I will say again to myself,“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” And while I am waiting, I will praise You. And while I am waiting, I will trust You. And while I am waiting, I will serve You. And while I am waiting, I will pray to You. And while I am waiting, I will love well. And while I am waiting, I will declare Your name to the world.

see Gen. 18:10-14; Gen. 41:39-41; see Ex. 3: 7-10; see II Sam. 5:1-4; John 17:1-3; Rom. 5:4-6; Ps 62:5-6