Hudson Taylor, a British evangelical missionary to China, spent 51 years there, beginning 125 schools and converting some 18,000 souls. A praying man, he had definite convictions about how God’s work should be done and was resolute in his plan.

But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless?”

Genesis 15:2

Sarai and Abram faced a dilemma. God had promised a great family legacy, but they were childless. Yet even after voicing their concerns to the Lord, they decided not to wait on Him, taking matters into their own hands. Sarai’s handmaiden, Hagar, bore Abram a son – but he was not the son of promise. Rather, he became the patriarch of another world religion: Islam. Their best laid plans bring tears and fears to many today.

Waiting on the Lord requires just that – waiting! He knew the plans He had for Abram and Sarai, but they weren’t willing to keep trusting. If you are tempted to rush God for answers, or to move ahead of Him with plans of your own, you do so at great risk. Pray for the Lord to hear your cries for patience, and ask Him to reveal His desires to you. Then pray that members of America’s governing class will seek to know God’s plan for the nation.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 130:1-8