Biblical examples

The Bible presents many examples that teach the importance of waiting for God’s timing. Let’s look at representative cases.

(1) Sarah’s case – God’s plan was for a son of promise to be born from an elderly couple (Abraham and Sarah). However, Sarah lacked the patience to wait for God’s timing. Instead, she became a woman who “walked ahead of God.” Eventually, she sought to have a child through her maidservant, Hagar. Although this was not considered immoral by the customs of the time, it was contrary to God’s plan. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, and as a result, the conflict between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac has continued to this day.

(2) Joseph’s case – Joseph was a man who could glorify God even in adversity. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt, where he lived in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Though Joseph served faithfully, he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. While in prison, he met Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker. Both had troubling dreams, which Joseph interpreted. The cupbearer received a favorable interpretation, while the baker’s fate was sealed with a dire one. After being released from prison, the cupbearer completely forgot about Joseph. Then, two years later, Pharaoh had a dream. This marked the turning point where Joseph’s story took a dramatic turn, leading to his rise as the prime minister of Egypt.

(3) Moses’ case – the 120-year life of Moses can be divided into three parts. (a) 40 years in Egypt, (b) 40 years in Midian, (c) 40 years leading the people of Israel. He required 80 years of training to become a vessel of God.

(4) Paul’s case – Paul testified twice in Jerusalem, before the crowd of Jews and before the Sanhedrin. (a) He testified three times in Caesarea, before Felix, before Festus, and before Herod Agrippa II. (c) The two years in Caesarea were a period of preparation for the great missionary stage of Rome.

God is not asleep. Hebrews 10:36-39 says this: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith… But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.”