Christian Counseling - Waiting for God to Act

When we become overwhelmed by strong emotions, such as fear, we often wait until God removes it before we take action, or perhaps we wait completely on God to take care of the matter. The latter was the case when the Israelites were being chased by Pharaoh's army. The people cried out to Moses who, in turn, cried out to God to act on behalf of the people (Exodus 14). Do you remember how God responded? If you said He parted the Red Sea, you are right, but there is something more.

We are all familiar with the advice "Give it to God" when we are in a situation that is beyond us, which we all experience from time to time. When there is no more rope, people hold on until God rescues them.Yet, I find that some who follow this advice do so to avoid responsibility. In either case, should God remain silent and not act on their behalf they often become hurt and/or angry with Him. There are a few ways of understanding His silence, but I want to focus on the "something more" that may have been missed when He doesn't act.

God's response to Moses' request for help was that the people must first move toward the water (conflict)and Moses was to "stretch out his hand over the sea and divide it" (Exodus 14:15,16). We find a similar message when the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the promised land--the people first followed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant toward the water and then the priests had to step into the water (Joshua 3:14-17). Only after the people took action did God part the waters for their safe passage.

The actions of God most often follow an initial step of His people's faith.You may be waiting for God, but He may be waiting for you. How can you show your faith while in a difficult situation, especially one for which you have been waiting a long time?