Waiting on God’s Timing - A Follower’s Commitment

Preached to: High School Students

Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn

This sermon builds upon the previous discussion on being a fan vs. a follower of Christ, emphasizing the importance of commitment and trusting God's timing. Many people treat Jesus like a temporary trend, following Him when it's exciting but falling away when things get tough. However, true followers remain faithful, even in seasons of waiting.

Key Points:

1. Fans walk away when things get tough; followers stay faithful.

   • Fans admire Jesus but hesitate to fully commit.

   • Followers focus on Christ, allow Him to transform them, and remain steadfast even when circumstances are difficult.

2. God's Delays Are Not God's Denials.

   • Waiting does not mean God has forgotten or abandoned us.

   • God is always working behind the scenes, even when we don’t see it.

   • Example: Jalen Hurts' story – from being benched to becoming a champion, demonstrating patience, hard work, and faith in God’s plan.

3. Biblical Examples of Waiting on God:

   • Abraham & Sarah (25 years) – waited for the promised son but took matters into their own hands, which led to complications.

   • Joseph (13 years) – endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before God elevated him to leadership.

   • David (15 years) – was anointed as king but had to wait and serve under Saul before taking the throne.

   • Jesus (30 years) – waited before beginning His public ministry.

   • The Disciples – had to wait for the Holy Spirit before stepping into their calling.

4. How to Wait on God’s Timing:

   • Stay Faithful – Keep serving, trusting, and obeying God even when you don’t see results. (Matthew 25:21)

   • Keep Growing – Use the waiting season to develop spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. (2 Peter 3:18)

   • Be Patient – Trust that God’s way is always best. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

   • Pray Without Ceasing – Maintain a strong relationship with God through consistent prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

   • Surround Yourself with the Right People – Be in community with those who encourage and strengthen your faith. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Final Takeaways:

• God's Timing is Always Perfect.

• Waiting on God is never wasted time.

• How we respond to waiting determines our growth and preparation for God’s plans.

This week, commit to trusting God even when things don’t go your way, knowing that He is always working for your good.

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• Dinner Table Discussion Guide

  Night 1: Fans vs. Followers – Are We Truly Committed?

  1. What’s something you’ve been a big fan of in the past but eventually lost interest in?

  2. What do you think is the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a true follower?

  3. What are some ways we can show commitment to our faith, even when life gets tough?

  Night 2: Trusting God’s Timing in Our Lives

  1. Have you ever had to wait a long time for something you really wanted? How did you handle it?

  2. Why do you think God sometimes makes us wait for things instead of giving them to us right away?

  3. How can we use seasons of waiting to grow closer to God and prepare for what He has in store?

  Night 3: Surrounding Ourselves with the Right People

  1. Who in your life encourages you to grow in your faith and make good choices?

  2. How can we be a positive influence on others and help them stay strong in their faith?

  3. What steps can we take to make sure we are surrounding ourselves with people who push us toward God’s best for us?

• Sermon Outline

  Main Idea: True followers of Christ remain faithful and trust in God’s perfect timing, even in seasons of waiting.

  Key Points:

  1. Fans walk away when things get tough; followers stay faithful.

  2. God’s delays are not denials—He is always working behind the scenes.

  3. Biblical examples of waiting:

     • Abraham & Sarah (25 years)

     • Joseph (13 years)

     • David (15 years)

     • Jesus (30 years)

     • The Disciples (waiting for the Holy Spirit)

  4. How to Wait on God’s Timing:

     • Stay faithful (Matthew 25:21)

     • Keep growing (2 Peter 3:18)

     • Be patient (Proverbs 3:5-6)

     • Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

     • Surround yourself with the right people (Hebrews 10:24-25)

  Final Takeaway: Waiting on God is never wasted time—His timing is always perfect!

• Scriptures

  1. Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

  "The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’"

  2. 2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

  "Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen."

  3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

  "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

  5. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

  "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

  6. Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

  "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires."