My name is Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr., Ph.D.,
founder and executive director of
I have been in the pastoral ministry and a professor of theology for more than 30 years, serving churches and seminaries in California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. My passion is to grow as a prayer warrior and to encourage others to experience the power of prayer in their lives, vocations and ministries.
A Special Message from Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.
The Challenge of Waiting, The Challenge of Wisdom
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
We are witnessing a huge move to get back to “normal” and leave the coronavirus pandemic behind. We are all anxious to move on, but we can only do so with significant data and safety guidelines. These urges need to be met with authentic biblical wisdom. This reminds us of the spiritual discipline of “waiting on the Lord.”
In the beautiful and comforting 27th Psalm verse 14, we find David urging his listeners to “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” After declaring that the Lord is the source of light, salvation and the stronghold of his life, he practices faith even in the face of attack, danger and death and declares that the true believer can gain confidence and be empowered in spirit and mind. But, waiting with faith and ultimate dependence on God is the key. Why is it so hard for us to wait upon the plan and purpose of God? Because, we think we know better, and because we want what we want, when we want it, regardless of anyone or anything else. It behooves us to be aware and spiritually alert in these times.
In addition to faith waiting, we need divine wisdom in these times. We need to pray, think, and meditate before running back to business as usual. Plus, nothing is or will be quite the same in the near future, and in some ways, we should never go back to the quickly disappearing norm. This is the time to practice the posture of waiting and to access the wisdom that comes from the Word of God. Let us hear and receive guidance as we surrender to a higher authority, “how much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16) And let us pray, “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
May the Lord bless you with the ability to wait on the Lord for leadership and the wisdom for living the abundant life.
Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
“The best advice my mother ever gave me – don’t forget to say your prayers.”
Lori Morgan
