Context: John 5: 16-30
Focus: John 5:19
“So Jesus explained, I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing.”
The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath because He healed a man on that day and called God His Father. Jesus said the Father and I are always working and He does nothing except what He sees the Father doing, and greater works will they see.
Jesus always gave the glory to God and said He only does the Father’s will and they are always working together. So it seems, if Jesus did not go out and do anything without consulting His Father, can we do less? Many times I’ve taken the initiative to do something seemingly that was good without prayer, and wondered why it didn’t turn out so good or the way I thought. But just recently, I’ve gotten serious about waiting on God’s direction before going out on my own. I am by nature, impulsive, impetuous, and eager to do something because it makes me uncomfortable to wait. But there are many examples how Christ’s disciples did not go out until first they received the power from on high, the promise of His Holy Spirit. Then, they waited upon the promptings and directions from the Holy Spirit in doing His perfect will.. I think how Phillip was directed to help the Eunuch who was reading the scriptures about Christ, and Paul was told where to go and what to expect in preaching the gospel.
Just recently, I’ve been more intune in hearing the Lord’s voice as a trial has caused me to draw closer in prayer. In two situations, I received the Lord’s peace to speak, and then wait for His timing. In hearing His voice I was confident that what I was to say was His will, and He opened up the way and it was easy and affirming to me. Now I take every decision I am about to make first to the Lord and wait for His promptings, His open door, and His wisdom which is full of Peace and good fruits.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
“How can you experience God? You can wait on the Holy Spirit to assure you that the words you speak, the decisions you make, and the actions you undertake are right in His sight. He will make Himself known to you if you put yourself in a position before Him to listen to Him and wait for His guidance.” Charles Stanley
From his book: Can You Still Trust God?
Lord, may I always be cognisant of your voice and your perfect way, as I wait on you each and every day.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Yes yes Mary. Also there could be times when we need to act and there is no time to wait. But if we live in His presence His words will flow from Him to us and it will bring Him glory. I have had instances where this has happened and knew those words that I spoke were pleasing to the Lord. Mary would you agree?
Yes, of course, but waiting is acting upon what the spirit shows us to do, then praying for the opportunity which sometimes is immediate and sometimes later. I always ask the Lord to go before me and make the way, especially when it comes to saying something He wants me to say. If He tells me to go, I go right away, like witnessing to a Muslim woman the other day. When I approached her, I knew what to say because I had prayed. At other times I had rushed in like a bull in a china cabinet, anxious that I needed to say what He put on my heart right away. Just recently God put it on my heart to tell a friend something that was very sensitive. I didn’t call her immediately, but had a peace to wait when we had lunch that week. Then I prayed during our conversation for God to prompt me when to mention the subject. When we were about to leave our table, she mentioned the very thing I was to speak to her about and how someone was offended by what she had to say. This was the perfect setting, and when I spoke she didn’t agree but did listen and was not at all offended. I believe waiting means to always be attentive to the Father’s voice ,praying and then acting, accordingly. I agree with you, there are times we are to act “immediately”, but the confirmation of peace is there at those times as well. (Philippians 4: 6-7. Hope this helps. Thanks for your comment.
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
Yes yes. With His help I am making this a lifestyle that honours Him!