Waiting for God's time

“Anyone who trusts in Him (the Lord), will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

Upfront I can read your lips; you are saying that waiting for God could turn out to be a very tedious exercise. Why? Because we never seem to know when God would show up. While it would be a test of time and patience – a kind of waiting game - it certainly would be worthwhile to wait – a periodpregnant with expectancy.

Well, if you needed something so badly wouldn’t you care to wait in line? Would it really matter how long you would wait? Yes, some people have waited years for their breakthrough, hoping against hope, before God manifested Himself in a mighty way. They have not regretted the long wait. There’s nothing as reliable like God’s time, it’s always the best. God never comes late on the scene, as would some public services.No, He is always right on time and on target.

A good many times we worry excessively and we seek to accelerate the process only to find out that what we have received, achieved or gained does not bear any of God’s fingerprints. This was the case with Abraham who along with his spouse Sarah worked out a solution to God’s promise by agreeing with surrogate mother, Hagar, to beget Ishmael. This was because they had waited so long and God had not made a move! They were jubilating over their efforts when God revealed to them that He had no hand in the birth of their son.

If only Abraham and Sarah had waited for God’s time, then the world would have been spared endless strife, turmoil and excessive bloodshed. Worst still,not long after the deal Sarah and Hagar struck, they fell out. Hagar began to despise her mistress and Sarah began mistreating Hagar. Abraham had to kick the latter out for peace to reign in his household. It was in her state of desperation that God found Hagar in the desert agonising in the face of the baby’s imminent death. (Genesis 21:15-21)

Zachariah, a high priest, and his spouse Elisabeth were childless in their old age and had even called it quits, forgetting they had prayed to God for a son. Unlike Abraham, they had left everything in God’s hands. When the angel of the Lord announced Elisabeth was an expectant mother, Zachariah was taken aback.

God performed a miracle on Sarah and Elisabeth when they had passed childbearing age. The difference between the two cases is that Abraham and Sarah could not wait for God’s plan to evolve but tried to figure out how they could have assisted Him. While it is not certain whether Zachariah and Elisabeth had still nursed the hope of being parents, God visited them and fulfilled their dreams. 

Stunning news! “… Zachariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John…..” (Luke 1:13) Zachariah could not believe his ears and was punished for his disbelief. At her conception, Elisabeth had exclaimed: “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown his favourand taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)

When we live in hope, expecting God’s hand to manifest itself in our lives, it is not only satisfying, but also exciting and soothing to the heart. It is all the more fulfilling because we know that the One in whom we trust and believe will never fail us. He labours for our good. All we need do is to have the right attitude. Remember “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Simeon a ‘righteous and devout’ man was living in expectancy and it was a glorious day for him when he held the Messiah in his hands. “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:26)Joseph and Mary had just walked into the temple to carry out the customary rites regarding the newborn child. In his joy, Simeon exclaimed in praise to God: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Simeon’s role had been fully accomplished. He had lived for this hour and for this purpose. He had waited long to play his part in the scheme of things before his demise. What immense joy it brings when we realize that we have not waited in vain. Greater joy it will be when we know that it is in fulfillment of the role we have been called to preform that we have accomplished.

What is it that you are expecting God to accomplish in your life that you are desperate about because the answer is not forthcoming?Lay it at Jesus’ feet; His all-sufficient grace is the remedy. Do not despair, do not worry or do not fret. God is on your case. Glorify Him for the results that your patience will bring. It is worth waiting for.

Like the dead bones in the valley that were brought to life when the prophet Ezekiel breathed over them, so shall it be with your dreams when the Holy Spirit takes full charge of your life.

“The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food in the proper time. (Psalm 145:15)