Waiting For The Lord

Waiting For The Lord

The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

Genesis 40:23

No other model we can think of compares to Joseph. He had so many unbearable tortures heaped on him, and he didn’t have any help or hope. In contrast, martyrs for the faith usually suffer for only a short time. But Joseph had to suffer for a long time. You won’t find many people who, when abandoned like Joseph, wouldn’t complain, become angry, and become impatient. Yes, Joseph had his weak moments too. At times he felt depressed and wanted to complain, cry, and give up.

Joseph’s example illustrates the importance of waiting for the Lord. In Psalms we read, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). Habakkuk says, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). Isaiah encourages us, “Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23).

But our human weakness tells us, “It’s been too long. I’ve been waiting for help for five, ten, or twenty years, and there’s no end in sight.” But remember that God made these promises to you. He is your friend and father. Because of his grace and mercy, God has promised to take care of you like a father cares for his little child. He is your father, and you are his dear child. Does your sinful nature still tell you that hoping in God is foolish? Don’t worry. Continue to wait with all believers. What Christ promises in Matthew 24:13 will come to pass: “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.”