Trusting God’s Timing:

Sermon: Trusting God’s Timing: Waiting on the Lord

Introduction

Good morning, beloved. Today, we will delve into the Gospel of Mark and explore the theme of waiting on God. Waiting can be one of the most challenging aspects of our faith journey. Yet, it is in these periods of waiting that our faith is tested and strengthened. Through the stories and teachings found in the book of Mark, we will learn to trust God’s perfect timing and keep our faith anchored in Christ as we wait.

1. The Power of Patience (Mark 5:25-34)

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

This woman suffered for twelve long years, trying every possible remedy without success. Yet, her faith in Jesus led her to believe that if she could just touch His garment, she would be healed. Her patience and faith were rewarded.

• Engagement Point: Reflect on a time when you waited on God for a breakthrough. How did your faith sustain you during the waiting period?

2. Trusting in God’s Timing (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)

“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him… While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.”

Jairus sought Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite the delay caused by healing the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus still arrived in time. Even when it seemed too late, Jesus showed that God’s timing is always perfect.

• Engagement Point: Consider a situation where you felt God’s timing was delayed. How can Jairus’ story encourage you to trust in God’s perfect timing?

3. The Importance of Persistent Faith (Mark 10:46-52)

“And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”

Bartimaeus did not allow the crowd to silence him. His persistent faith caught Jesus’ attention, and he received his sight. This story teaches us the importance of unwavering faith, even when faced with obstacles.

• Engagement Point: How can Bartimaeus’ persistence inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith, despite the challenges and delays you face?

4. Waiting with Expectation (Mark 13:32-37)

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

Jesus calls us to be vigilant and prepared for His return. This passage emphasizes the importance of waiting with expectation and readiness. Our waiting is not passive but active, filled with prayer and watchfulness.

• Engagement Point: Are you living with an expectant heart, ready for God’s next move in your life? How can you cultivate a vigilant and prayerful spirit as you wait?

Conclusion

As we reflect on these stories from the Gospel of Mark, let us remember that waiting on God is not in vain. Each story illustrates that God’s timing is perfect, His promises are sure, and our faith will be rewarded. As we wait, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, trust in His timing, and remain steadfast in our faith. Remember, God is always at work, even in the waiting.

Let us pray for the strength to wait patiently, the faith to trust God’s timing, and the courage to remain steadfast in our journey. Amen.