How are you at waiting?
This is just one biblical answer to the question:
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV) “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
Perhaps, like me, you’ve asked God why you are having to wait for an answer to your question(s), request(s) or development(s) you are seeking, such as that special event, that special job or even just to find solace and an end to whatever is troubling you.
Did you receive the answer(s) you were looking for and when you wanted, or are you still waiting? I’ve had more ‘no’, or ‘not now/yet’ than ‘yes’ to my petitions to God over the years. On reflection I am thankful that events didn’t turn out as I originally had hoped for or sought, either because God had something better planned, or these were not right for me, or it would have led me in the wrong direction, or I wasn’t ready at that point in time.
I love the Nativity Story and the emphasis on waiting for answers to prayers that unfold:
- John the Baptist was born to parents who had been waiting a very long time for a child
- Mary and Joseph had to embark on a long journey before their son would be born and then find lodgings at the very last minute; Jesus wouldn’t be born in the house that Joseph was building for his wife and family, but in a stable.
- The three kings / wise men knew something of the star and tracked it for many years. They too had to embark on a long journey to discover the true meaning behind the star.
- The shepherds in the fields close to Bethlehem were considered, in the eyes of the world at the time, to be among the least in society. Perhaps they had been praying and waiting for change. After witnessing the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus and extending to them an invitation to come and see the baby Jesus, they made their own journey to join in the celebration – with the arrival of God’s kingdom on Earth, everything was about to change.
They were all waiting for the same thing – for God’s perfect fulfilment of His promise. This possibly happened without them realising it. Yet because of their faith and obedience, each of these individuals will always be remembered for the part they played in the Nativity Story.
I am amazed at the number of people who were led to believe they were looking for a king or a man, not a child and definitely not a baby.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)
The Bible provides the answer to many questions and I believe offers a comfort within the waiting time. Nowhere in the Bible does it say to sit back and do nothing. I believe the Bible says to approach God in humility, develop a humble heart, pray from that heart and allow humility to help you discern God’s voice for ‘when the allotted time arrives’.
I wish to end with a prayer taken from Psalm 122:6 (KJV): “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.”
I pray for world peace, holding deep in my heart the promise that the prayers for the world will come to fruition. God has promised us that. As we know God keeps his promises.
Peace and Blessings to you all from
Margaret McKinnon
In the McKinnon household there are currently two ‘waiting’ events, each one involving excitement and anticipation:
- Will the Amaryllis plant flower on Christmas Day?
- Will my letter to Santa result in my receiving gifts? My Granddaughter, Georgia, has left an extra happy picture with the elf, in anticipation.
