One More Move

“One More Move”
by Pastor Kent Munsey
May 18, 2020

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

• Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)

Isaiah talks about Jesus being a precious cornerstone. By this he means that the Lord is reliable and we can put our trust in him. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can start to develop patience.

The secret to living for God is patience. Patience is a fruit of the spirit. If the enemy can make us move in impatience, we will act hastily and get outside of God’s timing. Impatience says, “God is slow; I need to take charge.” However, when we really believe, we will not panic, we will not make haste, and we will not move out of turn. 

When we start to move outside of God’s timing, we not only put ourselves at risk, but we also put those closest to us at risk. In Hebrews 10:36, Paul says that after we have done the will of God, we have need of patience. God is running a marathon, not a sprint. God has a strategy, a purpose, and a plan. 

When we have done all we are supposed to do, it’s time to wait on the Lord. Through God’s word, we can understand what it means to wait on the Lord.

1. Waiting not complaining

While we are waiting, we should not be complaining. David says his soul waits silently for God alone (Psalm 62:5). As we are waiting, it is so easy to start complaining. With God, we are more than enough. We have to learn how to wait. 

2. Waiting not wimping.

We are strong. We can handle it. We are more than enough. David says to be of good courage because we are strong (Psalm 27:4). When you wait on the Lord, he will strengthen your heart.

3. Waiting not lacking.

We are not lacking any good things (Psalm 37:9). If we have done what God asked us to do, if we faint not and we don’t give up, we are going to receive a harvest (Lamentations 3:15). 

4. Waiting not rushing.

Instead of asking when the pandemic is going to end, we should ask ourselves what we will look like at the end (Isaiah 26:8-10). What is God wanting to do in you and through you this season? Where you are is exactly where God intended you to be.

5. Waiting not forgetting.

The Lord will not forsake you; he will never let you be put to shame. The righteous will never be forsaken or be seen begging for bread (Psalm 25:3-5). 

When we look at the Moritz Retzsch painting, “Checkmate,” we see two players playing chess. One is the devil, and he has the other player in checkmate. It appears as though the devil has won. However, it was discovered by a renowned chess player many years later that the king in fact had one more move against the devil. 

The King always has one more move. Satan thought that he had won when Jesus was on the cross. He thought he had Jesus right where he wanted him. But, three days later, Jesus rose in victory because the king always has one more move.  

Where is God while we are waiting on a vaccine and a solution? While we are waiting, God is working. And he always has one more move. Even when you can’t see or comprehend it. The King always has one more move. 

6. While you are waiting, be mindful. 

God never asks us to do something outside his own character. God, with his all power and authority, waits on us. God is patient.

In this season, work and wait, sow, and wait. God is faithful and he always has one more move. While we are waiting, God is working.

Discussion/Reflection Questions:

1. What do you find difficult about waiting?

2. When have you waited on God and seen in retrospect that it was a good decision?

3. What is God growing in your character as we wait for the pandemic to end?