Waiting is never easy. I remember waiting to find out if I was pregnant; waiting with my mother as she lay dying; waiting to find out if the kids had arrived safely to their destination; waiting on everyone to arrive at my home; waiting for a test result; waiting for political results; waiting to hear back from a church to find out if we’d received the vote. We live in an “instant gratification” society. One click, and it can be delivered to your home within minutes or hours, one button push and dinner is ready, one thumbs up or thumbs down and you’ve got a new social media friend or adversary. We are not accustomed to waiting these days. Yet, when we do have to wait, it can be very challenging. It tests our patience, peace, sanctification, and, sometimes, even our sanity!

Waiting is mentioned 154 times in the Old & New Testaments combined (KJV). The Prophet Isaiah encourages us with, “but they who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). This passage leads us to believe that waiting will strengthen us. Sarah waited for 13 years after Ishmael was born before she gave birth to Isaac. Israel waited 400 years to hear the Lord’s voice in Egypt. We are now waiting for the Lord’s return.

While we’re waiting, let’s do this… Stay strong, hold on to God’s Word, continue to believe His promises, don’t let fear or mistrust of God determine our actions, and don’t try to find a loophole. Just Wait…God is in the Waiting!

God, as we reflect upon your Word and the above insights, give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Let any knowledge we have gained help us love You and others more. Help us to see something new about YOU that we’ve never seen before. Correct any lies we believe about You and anything we may misunderstand. And, always direct our steps according to Your Word.

Still Waiting,

Michelle