Patiently Waiting

April 4, 2020

By Chaz Umamoto, Coordinator of Worship Ministry Support

Before I was a Christian, when I was at an impasse in my life, I would hike Mount Olympus (Wa‘ahila Ridge) to clear my head and find direction for my life. It was as if I was in search of the voice of God to help me discern my steps. 

Now that I am Christian and I’ve been filled with His Spirit, I no longer need to hike three miles up a mountain. All I need to do is pray. In every major decision and change of season, I have a habit of praying and fasting. I know that when all else is uncertain, God remains constant. 

Before my wife Sarah, our son Jojo, and I moved back to Hawaii, there was a time when I fasted from breakfast for six months. I wanted to hear from God whether we should stay in LA or come home and be a part of what God is doing at our church. Fasting, prayer, and worship are prevalent in every story of the Bible, both the Old and New Testament. It is a desire God has woven into our very being, to long after Him and seek His guidance in both times of great joy and great uncertainty. 

As I reflect on James 1:5, I’m reminded that this is another one of those moments in my life where I desperately need to pray for wisdom, fast and worship Him constantly. Not because I need solace, but because I know that He is good and He is worthy of my praise every single day. I’m going to seek Him for 24 hours because He is worthy, and the Lord knows we need Him now more than ever.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

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