Waiting Is Hard
The sermon emphasizes the importance of patience and obedience during times of waiting on God's timing and provision.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the supreme test of obedience faced by the children of Israel when the cloud of God tarried, signifying the need to wait patiently for the Lord's guidance and provision. Despite the discomfort, dangers, and uncertainties of staying put, God assures His presence and daily supplies to those who trust in His timing. The message emphasizes the importance of waiting on God's perfect timing, even in the face of urgent needs or desires, and trusting His will over our own desires for immediate action.
Text
"When the cloud tarried . . . then the children of Israel . . . journeyed not" (Num. 9:19).
This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying.
Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger--there was no option but to remain encamped.
The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages.
Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?
There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.
Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord's good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!--Daily Devotional Commentary
An hour of waiting!
Yet there seems such need
To reach that spot sublime!
I long to reach them--but I long far more
To trust HIS time!
"Sit still, my daughter"--
Yet the heathen die,
They perish while I stay!
I long to reach them--but I long far more
To trust HIS way!
'Tis good to get,
'Tis good indeed to give!
Yet is it better still--
O'er breadth, thro' length, down length, up height,
To trust HIS will! --F. M. N.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The challenge of waiting - Obedience during periods of inactivity - The example of the Israelites
- II points: - God's assurance in waiting - Provision during waiting times - The significance of God's presence
- III points: - The dangers of impatience - The call to remain steadfast - Trusting in God's timing
- IV points: - Lessons from the Psalmist - The importance of patience - Waiting as a spiritual discipline
- V points: - Encouragement for young believers - The role of ministers in waiting - The ultimate purpose of waiting
Key Quotes
“When the cloud tarried . . . then the children of Israel . . . journeyed not.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change!” — Charles E. Cowman
“I long to reach them--but I long far more to trust HIS time!” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Practice patience by trusting in God's timing rather than rushing into decisions.
- Remain steadfast in your current situation, knowing that God provides for your needs.
- Use waiting periods as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.