Just sitting at my desk this morning, waiting for the remnants of hurricane Gordon to bring us rain. It’s like watching a tea pot on the stove and waiting for it to blow off steam. The sky is still much too bright for any serious participation. But, I am assured that rain is on its way.
Waiting has never been a strong-suit of mine. But, I have never known anyone who enjoyed waiting–at least waiting in line at the grocery store. However, changing perspective about the wait can make a lot of difference. What if I try to be pleasant, think about others, engage in conversation, and think happy thoughts while I wait? I think I will give it a try and see how things work out.
God’s people must learn how to wait for the fulfillment of His promises. James draws a practical example from everyday life, saying, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains” (Jas. 5:7). The farmer has learned to wait–to trust that rain is coming and his crop will produce its fruit. In the same way, James exhorts us to be patient and strengthen our hearts in knowing that the coming of the Lord is certain (vs. 8).
The inspired writer of the book of Hebrews says that while “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”, He “will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him” (Heb. 9:27-28). All who truly trust in God wait for the fulfillment of His promises. “Eagerly awaiting” is an expression of our love and trust in the Lord.
Our hearts are strengthened by these words of the prophet: “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isa. 40:31). With the assurance of such promises, we can both endure the wait and find strength while we wait.