The Idleness of Waiting: Finding Purpose in Remote Places
There are seasons in life where it feels like nothing is happening. The prayers we pray seem to linger in the air, unanswered. The purpose we long for feels elusive. For believers in remote places—whether geographically, socially, or spiritually—this feeling can be magnified. We ask, “Am I making a difference? Can I even be used by YHWH here, in this place?” Waiting feels idle, and watching seems fruitless.
But what if waiting is part of YHWH’s greater plan? What if He is working in ways we cannot yet see? Let us explore how believers can embrace the season of waiting, trusting that YHWH can and will use them for His Kingdom—even in the most remote places.
1. Waiting on God is Never Wasted Time
It is easy to view waiting as wasted time, especially when we feel far removed from opportunities to serve or connect. Yet the Bible consistently shows us that waiting is an active, transformative process.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Waiting on YHWH is not about sitting idly by; it is about trusting Him to strengthen and prepare us for His timing.
Consider Moses. He spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading Israel out of Egypt. David was anointed as king but waited years before ascending the throne. The disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission. YHWH uses seasons of waiting to refine us, deepen our trust, and align our hearts with His purposes.
2. Watching for a Person of Peace
In Luke 10:6, Yeshua instructed His disciples to look for a “person of peace”—someone open to receiving the Gospel and helping spread the message. Finding such individuals is key to making a Kingdom impact, but in remote or spiritually dry places, it can feel impossible.
What do you do when you have been searching for a person of peace and have not found one? First, pray persistently. Ask YHWH to open your eyes to the opportunities around you, no matter how small they may seem. Sometimes, the person of peace is the one you least expect. Second, trust in YHWH’s timing. The disciples themselves faced rejection, yet they were instructed to shake the dust from their feet and move on, knowing that the harvest belongs to YHWH.
Your role is not to force results but to remain faithful. The seeds you plant today may bear fruit in ways you will never see.
3. Faithfulness in the Small Things
In Matthew 25:21, Yeshua says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” This principle reminds us that small acts of faithfulness matter in YHWH’s Kingdom.
Even if you feel isolated or insignificant, your daily choices to live out your faith are powerful. Serving a neighbor, showing kindness to a stranger, or praying over your community may seem like small things, but they can have eternal impact. Remember, YHWH often uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary.
4. Trusting God to Use You Where You Are
We often think we need to be in a certain place or have a specific role to be useful to YHWH. But the truth is, He can use us wherever we are. In fact, He has placed you in your current location for a reason.
Consider Esther. She may have felt out of place as a Jewish woman in the Persian king’s court, but she was there “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Similarly, you are where you are for a purpose. Trust that YHWH can work through you, even in remote or unlikely circumstances.
5. The Battle Against Discouragement
Isolation often leads to discouragement. It is easy to feel unseen and question whether your efforts matter. In these moments, cling to the truth of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Talk to YHWH about your discouragement. Pour out your heart to Him in prayer, just as David did in the Psalms. Seek encouragement from fellow believers, even if it is through online communities or phone calls. You are not alone on this journey.
6. Practical Steps for Kingdom Work in Remote Places
If you are feeling stuck, here are some practical ways to stay engaged in YHWH’s work:
- Start a prayer journal: Dedicate time each day to pray over your community, asking YHWH to reveal opportunities for Kingdom work.
- Host small gatherings: Even if it is just one or two people.
- Leverage technology: Use online platforms to connect with others.
- Serve locally: Look for ways to meet practical needs in your community, whether through volunteering or simple acts of kindness.
7. A Call to Persevere
When results are not visible, it is tempting to give up. But perseverance is a mark of faith. Hebrews 11 is filled with stories of individuals who trusted YHWH’s promises even when they did not see the outcome.
As you wait and watch, remember that YHWH is always at work. Your faithfulness today is part of a greater story, one that He is weaving together for His glory.
Conclusion:
The idleness of waiting is a lie. In YHWH’s Kingdom, no moment is wasted. He sees your faithfulness, your prayers, and your desire to serve Him. Even in remote places, He is working through you in ways you may not yet understand.
Ask yourself daily: “How can I serve YHWH today? Who can I love in His name?” Trust that He will guide you, use you, and prepare you for the work He has called you to.
Closing Prayer:
Abba Father, thank You for the season of waiting. Help us to trust Your timing and remain faithful in the small things. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us, and use us to bring Your Kingdom to earth, no matter where we are. Strengthen us against discouragement and remind us that You are always at work. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
About the Author - JohnPaul, a disciple-maker in North America, generously volunteered his time to write these encouraging words for our underground family.
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