Waiting on the Lord

On March 17, 2003, at around 1:30 in the morning, the Lord gave me a dream that seems to have relevance for this season we are presently in. The nature and atmosphere of the dream clearly communicated that its message contained an admonition and directive for our ministry and perhaps the corporate body as well.

The dream begins in a setting similar to a church or conference meeting. In it, I observed a man whom I have never met in the natural but know indirectly through friends as a powerful and faithful servant of the Lord. His name is Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj. He is originally from India but his ministry is based in Singapore. I watched as he was earnestly praying for a specific woman and noticed that much power was being deposited through this man and was deeply ministering to the needs of the woman. In fact, the virtue was so intense that she was unable to speak.

I continued to watch as Sundar walked over to me and called me by name. He said, “Wanda, there is too much rushing in many meetings and not enough waiting upon the Lord.” Although this may initially seem like a simple word, it was delivered with power and appeared to be an important admonition for us and the body of Christ. It was illustrated that the fruit of “Waiting on the Lord” was demonstrated in the ministry to the woman.

Now having prayed and meditated upon the dream, it seems the Holy Spirit is releasing a measure of understanding into its meaning. Somehow, it is a strategy to help launch us into the next season of the Spirit and flow more fluently with Him. It is an expression of the desire of His heart for us.

I believe we have only a small fragment of comprehension concerning the ministry of “waiting on the Lord.” Perhaps this particular individual was used to communicate this message because of the unique culture from which he comes and the discipline they inherently possess to more patiently wait on God. We in our society have been indoctrinated into an accelerated mind-set and sometimes miss divine opportunities in our meetings and individual lives. Our admonition in our meetings is to “rest” in the Lord and more patiently tarry until there is power for ministry.

There are a few scriptures that have emerged with application that may be helpful and encouraging as we discover more fully this important ministry. Once we discover the fruit of “waiting on the Lord” and ministering to Him, it will help encourage us to develop in this arena. Certainly part of the application of this message is to help fortify us during seasons of discouragement so that we would not begin to question the Lord and His promises to us.

I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved. Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe {it} on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. (Hab 2:1-3) (see also Hebrews 10:36-39 and Isaiah 40:31)

According to His word, the Lord is not slack concerning His promises but rather long-suffering toward us and not willing that any should perish but all come to repentance. We should be diligent to be found by Him in peace and in good courage, even during difficult seasons. That is certainly our goal and prayer.