Waiting
By Lexi Cole Ellis
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
By Lexi Cole Ellis
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
I was able to finish the school year, clean my classroom
and finish report cards without having gone into labor. Now…We waited. She
could come at any moment in the next four days before I was scheduled to be
induced.
Waiting isn’t exclusive to the final days of pregnancy. In seasons of waiting, sometimes it’s for an answer or next step. And sometimes the answer takes a few days or many years. In Scripture, Hannah waited years for a child, and the disciples waited for days for the Holy Spirit to come. In my life, some have waited for a job change or for a relationship to be reconciled. Yes, waiting is a part of life. But regardless of the length or circumstance, I’ve recently been reminded of some unchanging truths:
Waiting isn’t exclusive to the final days of pregnancy. In seasons of waiting, sometimes it’s for an answer or next step. And sometimes the answer takes a few days or many years. In Scripture, Hannah waited years for a child, and the disciples waited for days for the Holy Spirit to come. In my life, some have waited for a job change or for a relationship to be reconciled. Yes, waiting is a part of life. But regardless of the length or circumstance, I’ve recently been reminded of some unchanging truths:
·
God is constant in the waiting. Despite the circumstance,
despite the answer after the waiting, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and
today and forever.” [1] His power, His grace and His love do not change despite the
outcome of our waiting.
·
God is in control in the waiting. He has preordained it
according to His timing and His will. Our waiting is often because God has
orchestrated it for “…such a time as this.” [2] Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that “…we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to
His purpose.” His plan may not be our own, but it is for our good.
·
God uses waiting to develop patience and grow us. “Be patient,
then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its
valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You
too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” [3] All Believers are
waiting for Jesus to return. Patience is a byproduct of this waiting, and He uses
our time of waiting to draw ourselves, and others, closer to Him.
Today and every day, may we be faithful in the seasons of
waiting… however long and whatever the circumstance.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Reflect on your own season(s) of waiting. Or take time to read Philippians 3:20 and meditate on
how all Believers are awaiting Jesus’ return.
2.
Using any of the verses listed, spend time today in Scripture.
FURTHER READING:
Lexi
Ellis is currently an adoring mom to her first child. She is busy with all the
things that motherhood brings as well as building a new home. She continues to
write for Fresh Start amidst the many changes.
[1] Hebrews 13:8
[2] Esther 4:14b
[3] James 5:7-8
