As I sit here expecting an Amazon return pick-up, I’m reminded how long waiting on something can take. I’m also reflecting that we can’t predict the hour and even the minute of the fulfillment. But God knows and hasn’t forgotten.
My pick up estimate was 7:25am – 11:25. However, the driver didn’t arrive till 2:40pm. Go figure!
Waiting an Extended Period of Time
Biblically speaking, we have numerous examples of waiting an extended period of time:
- Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for their promised child
- Joseph waited 13 years for the fulfillment of the prophetic dream God gave him.
- The Israelites waited in the desert for 40 years.
- Hannah waited and prayed through years of barreness before God gave her a child.
- David had to wait likely something like 15 years after being anointed by Samuel to take the throne and become king.
- An invalid man, who waited at the pool in Bethesda to be healed by Jesus, was afflicted with his condition for 38 years before he was was healed.
- The disciples waited 10 days, after Jesus ascended, for the Holy Spirit. That’s 50 days after the resurrection.
- Noah waited 100 years as he built the ark for the flood to arrive.
- And as believers we are all waiting for the second coming of Jesus. The Bible tells us that we don’t know the hour or day of His reappearing.
Never in Vain
Though God’s plans can take time, the wait has a sure result: waiting on God is never in vain. Admittedly, there have been times when I’ve felt very much as if it were. However, if we take a closer look at any of these stories we can be assured that there are blessings in both the waiting and the fulfillment. Nevertheless, it’s not easy to see them when our expectant hearts feel life’s challenges or pain. It can become quite disheartening if it takes a very long time.
Reasons
I’m reminded that God has reasons for the seasons. There is purpose in the process.
I’d forgotten the following words! Obviously the Holy Spirit has provided a nudge. I wrote this poem years ago to encourage others, but I always need them as well.
Reasons for the Seasons
There are reasons for the seasons
And each one must end
There’s a heart that is hurting
There’s a time it will mend
There is rain from above
But a rainbow you’ll see
There are trials,
There’s a loss,
But there’s freedom in Thee.
There are reasons for the seasons
And each one must end
There’s a cry in the night
And His love He will send
There are storms that will come
But there’s help on its way
There is hope in our Jesus
There is light for the day.
There are reasons for the seasons
And each one must end
There’s a line you may tow
But there’s help from a friend
There’s a time to stay silent
A time to speak peace
A time for forgiveness
A time to release.
There are reasons for the seasons
And each one must end
There are dark clouds and grey skies
But your sorrows He’ll tend
There’s a time for it all
And so much you will see
Know you’re loved, and you’re His
You’re not lost
You are free.
Tina
September 6, 2009
Every valley shall be filled in,every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth
Luke 3:5
Dear hearts, God is still working, and like Gandolf (*smirk*) “he is never late, nor is he early, He arrives precisely when he means to…” He also tends to our needs in due time even when it doesn’t feel as if He’s working at all.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? Why have you become restless and disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
Psalm 42:11
Thank you for reading. God Bless. 🧡
–Tina
Pippi's Poetry 