There it is…that dreaded four-letter word W-A-I-T. You pray. You ask. But God responds by saying, “Be still and know that l am God…” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). Often you start out with patience, but as days stretch into months or years, the temptation to ignore God’s instructions intensifies. It’s then when you need to be resolute and fortify your unsure heart with courage.While it can seem a little weird to think about needing strength in order to do nothing, waiting is really about more than just the passage of time. It’s about more than the thing you’re hoping for. At its core, spiritual waiting is about your willingness to yield to the Lord. It’s a good, old-fashioned test of faith. Will you trust Him when you want to trust yourself more? Will you really believe He’s reliable to do the things He’s promised?Choosing to trust when there’s no evidence that anything is happening takes a lot of inner stamina. When your requests seem to have been in limbo too long, it is vital to put away your personal timetable. Instead, begin to pray for the strength and courage you need to trust the Lord…and wait.