WAITING IS ONE of the hardest disciplines—some of us have had to wait long for things we are expecting.
Abram waited twenty-five years to have Isaac. (Genesis 25)
Joseph had to wait another two years before the king's cupbearer remembered him. (Genesis 41:1-9)
The Narrative
EIGHT DAYS after his birth, baby Jesus was circumcised and taken to the temple in Jerusalem.
While fulfilling these obligations, Jesus' father and mother encountered Simeon—a good and prayerful man waiting for the salvation of Israel.
God had promised him that he would see the Messiah before he died.
As the parents walked in, Simeon was led by the Spirit of God to the temple.
Simeon took baby Jesus into his arms and said.
"God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes, I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see." (Luke 2:1-32)
However, Jesus' father and mother were astonished at his words, and they were speechless.
The Nature of Waiting
MANY PEOPLE think waiting on God is passive, but it isn't.
Passive waiting is something familiar to many of us.
Most things are a push-button away; we will instead dictate into our phones and computers than press the keypad.
All we want is instant results—and when things don't happen our way, we become impatient and frustrated with people around us.
We wait for the life we deserve, and the miracles we believe should happen. But God wants us to be active while waiting.
Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the ten virgins.
Each of them took a lamp and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were wise, and they took extra flasks of oil.
The bridegroom did not turn up right away, and they were all drowsy.
When he showed up, the five ill-prepared virgins found that their lanterns were flickering—and the wise ones couldn't help.
They stepped out to get some oil. And when they returned, they found the door shut.
But when they knocked, the bridegroom said, "I certainly don't know you." (Matthew 25:12)
Waiting is Ongoing
TO WAIT ON GOD is for the long haul.
Simeon knew that to see the Messiah was to continue to trust God.
He didn't just fold his hands, Simeon was patient. He continued to pray, expecting his birth.
You must continue to pray and confess scriptures till you receive the promise.
Jesus concluded the parable of the virgins, saying, "So, stay awake. You neither know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return." (Matthew 25:13)
Waiting on God is lifelong—after you've received a promise, you begin to look forward to the next.
Jesus must be your journey
Faith is the starting point
WAITING IS NOT EASY—it's a walk of faith. Simeon understood this and trusted God.
The promise that was given to Abraham and his children that one day they would inherit the world did not come because he followed the rules of the law. It came as a result of his right standing before God, a standing he obtained through faith. (Romans 14:13)
Faith turns your attention to the mysteries of God—it makes you understand and accept the unseen.
Everything physical will deteriorate, and all that is touchable will lead to dismay.
"So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
THE BIBLE succinctly shares Simeon's story of hope.
Although he did not know the end date, God had him right where he wanted him.
While waiting—with your unique gifts, live life to the fullest and allow Jesus to be the journey and your destination.