God With Us in Our Waiting
Pastor Doug Heisel – Dec 14, 2025
Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23 – All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Galatians 4:4 – But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son…
How to Leverage Your Waiting
1. LISTEN UP: Waiting is often connected to your own personal GROWTH.
James 1:3-4 (TLB) – “…for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
2. LOOK AROUND: Waiting might be for the BENEFIT of someone else.
2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Acts 28:1, 7-10 – Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta…There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
3. Stay in FAITH: Waiting is an opportunity to receive MORE from the Lord.
Isaiah 40:27-31 – O Jacob, O Israel, how can you say that the Lord doesn’t see your troubles and isn’t being fair? Don’t you yet understand? Don’t you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of His understanding.
He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
NEXT WEEK:
God With Us In Our Weakness
SAVE THE DATE:
Special Guest Bob Goff — January 11
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE:
Kids have a hard time waiting, but so do adults. Share something you had to wait for that you eventually received or experienced.
DIGGING IN:
1. Review point #1 and the related passage. How does this challenge, convict, or encourage you? Explain.
2. Review point point #2 and the related passages. Have someone summarize Paul’s trip to Malta and what they recall from the message that happened after Paul left. Have someone else share a time God used their waiting
for someone else’s benefit.
3. Review point #3, along with reading Isaiah 40:27- 31. While we wait, the Lord often wants to work in us and strengthen us for what still lies ahead. What has that looked like in your life? Where has the Lord done work in you while you waited? Share what you did (or wish you had done) to cooperate with Him.
BRINGING IT HOME:
Waiting can be hard, but it can also be tremendously purposeful. This week, be open to what the Lord wants to do in, for, or through you. He is faithful, good, and sovereign. Trust Him in your waiting and your working. Be proactive rather than reactive.