God-Filled Waiting

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 16-17
NT: John 3
W&W: Psalm 67


Today’s Reflection:

Have you ever felt that you are wasting a lot of time waiting on the realization of your God-sized goals? Joseph Bentz, author of When God Takes Too Long, deals with this in a chapter entitled, “Have faith that in his good time God will sweep away the obstacles.”

Bentz issues a warning that a long wait might lead us to lower our expectations of God. When we have to wait, we interpret “not yet” to mean “never.” We don’t actually renounce our Christian commitment and turn away from God. Instead, we simply don’t expect much from him. We call ourselves his, but we refuse to dream big anymore or put ourselves on the line for him.

Remember, however, that the fact that God takes a long time to accomplish his purposes does not mean he lacks the power or will to move forward. Also keep in mind that the destination is not the only thing that matters. What happens during the “waiting” part of our story is really part of God’s purpose, not just empty time leading up to it. Waiting should be filled with God! It’s like what Lana and I experience when we travel together. There is a destination out there – arriving at Avery’s house for example – but we have learned to enjoy the drive, too! Traveling together is just as meaningful to us as arriving at our goal!

Bentz counsels us: “Whenever we’re in an “almost, not yet” period, we should ask ourselves what God may be accomplishing in our lives. In the future, we will find ourselves looking back with appreciation, even longing, for those days of almost, not yet. Many of us make the mistake of ignoring the opportunities before us on this day because we’ve placed all our attention on waiting for what’s coming next.”

Next time you’re waiting, wait with God!


This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.