“Listen to me my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. I, even I am he who comforts you….. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your maker?” (Isaiah 51:4-5, 12-13)
There is no more persistent plea from God to His children than to ask us to pray persistently and hope and wait for his answers to prayer, trusting him in the gap. Waiting may arguably be one of the hardest things for us. Especially when we see injustice or we are in need. We are used to wanting something, pursuing it and getting it. Helplessness in the face of illness, betrayal or unmet hope hits us hard. We want to make it happen, and at our worst, we can get controlling, angry, push, prod, and manipulate to get what we want - what the Bible calls the flesh. Even if we get our will, this way comes with collateral damage. The “narrow way” of resting in confident expectant hope - not resignation, real hope! - is the harder, but healthier way. God comes through. Mary and Martha rightly wondered why Jesus did not heal Lazarus before his death - and instead, they were witnesses to a much greater miracle. Isaac, born after many years of waiting, was a greater gift because of the wait. God wants our trust IN the darkness because it builds our faith. We know this as parents, teachers or leaders. Plans need to develop; events need to happen in a certain sequence. How often did Jesus tell his disciples - and even his mother - that it was not yet the right time (John 7:6)?
It’s the TTT Principle that Linda Anderson shares in Mom-to-Mom. “Things Take Time”.
What do we hold on to while we wait? God’s character - His power. His promises. His goodness. His faithfulness. That Lovingkindness is His Nature.The only obstacle to our receiving blessing, our sin, he took away through the cross. Expect his goodness. Hold on.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, you well know my as-yet unanswered prayers, that weigh heavily on me. I put my hope in you! You are the only one in real control. You are the essence of real goodness and you bring that into our lives. Lord, see my need and bring the answer as fast as you can - I am in need, Father. But I trust your power, your goodness and your timing.
Song of the Day: Don’t You Give Up On Me- Brandon Lake
