As we are guided by God’s word in creating vision for our lives and as we are grounded in God while we reflect on his activity and his word, we find ourselves established by the Lord in our commitments. We are also assured by his faithfulness as we trust him to guide us toward progress according to his timing.

Much of our action, then, involves actively waiting where we continue in what we know to do while we wait for God to lead us further or in other areas/ways or, often, to simply resolve matters in ways we could not ask for or imagine. In this, we develop patience and learn to trust in (i.e., wait in) his faithfulness.

“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

As we act within God’s will and timing, it’s crucial that we realize that we are powered by God.

“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)

We have what we need to act in his will and move toward the vision he’s given us through his word and the Holy Spirit. Our action in this way not only proves his presence in our lives, but it also gives us patience as we are assured by his faithfulness and established by him in our commitments. Through regular reflection on his activity in our lives and ultimate truth as revealed in his word, we are led to the action he desires of us.