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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Active Waiting</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/a/active_waiting.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/isaiah/40-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/a/active.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Active Waiting</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/a/active_trust.htm" title="Active Trust">◄</a> Active Waiting <a href="/topical/a/active_waiting_on_god.htm" title="Active Waiting on God">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Active waiting is a concept that intertwines patience with purposeful action, reflecting a biblical approach to anticipating God's timing and promises. This principle is evident throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord while engaging in faithful service and obedience.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The Bible frequently addresses the theme of waiting, often coupling it with trust and hope in God's faithfulness. <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> states, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This verse highlights the renewal and strength that come from waiting on God, suggesting an active engagement rather than passive idleness.<br><br><b>Examples of Active Waiting</b><br><br>1. <b>Noah</b>: In <a href="/bsb/genesis/6.htm">Genesis 6-9</a>, Noah exemplifies active waiting. God instructed him to build an ark in anticipation of the flood. Noah's obedience in constructing the ark over many years demonstrates active waiting, as he trusted God's promise while diligently working.<br><br>2. <b>Abraham and Sarah</b>: In <a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12-21</a>, Abraham and Sarah waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. During this period, Abraham continued to follow God's commands, moving to new lands and establishing his household, illustrating active waiting through obedience and faith.<br><br>3. <b>David</b>: Anointed as king while still a young shepherd, David spent years waiting for the throne. During this time, he served King Saul, led military campaigns, and wrote psalms. His life during this period, as recorded in 1 Samuel and the Psalms, reflects active waiting through service and worship.<br><br>4. <b>The Early Church</b>: In <a href="/acts/1-4.htm">Acts 1:4-14</a>, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. During this waiting period, they devoted themselves to prayer and fellowship, preparing for the mission ahead. This demonstrates active waiting through spiritual readiness and community.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>Active waiting involves a dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It acknowledges God's perfect timing while encouraging believers to engage in prayer, service, and spiritual growth. This approach fosters a deeper relationship with God, as individuals learn to trust His plans and purposes.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>Believers today are called to practice active waiting in various aspects of life, whether awaiting personal guidance, the fulfillment of promises, or Christ's return. This involves:<br><br>· <b>Prayer</b>: Maintaining a consistent prayer life to seek God's will and strength.<br>· <b>Service</b>: Engaging in acts of service and ministry, using one's gifts and talents for God's glory.<br>· <b>Spiritual Growth</b>: Studying Scripture and participating in community worship to grow in faith and understanding.<br>· <b>Obedience</b>: Following God's commands and living a life that reflects His character.<br><br>Active waiting is a testament to faith in action, where believers trust in God's timing while actively participating in His work.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/a/active.htm">Active</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/a/active_lifestyle.htm">Active Lifestyle</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/activity.htm">Activity (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p 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