When God Asks Us To Wait

Simeon . . . was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

Luke 2:25, HCSB

WE ARE LIKE CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS, eagerly anticipating the day to open presents. In our culture, the ability to wait patiently is not a common character trait. We’re not patient people; we’re taught early on to “make it happen.”

Waiting may be the hardest single thing we are ever asked to do. Though we may not like it, waiting is a necessary part of the Christian life. What God does in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for. Waiting is not easy. It’s the toll on the road that each of us must travel.

The Old Testament promised a coming Messiah. Israel had to wait—generation after generation, century after century. When the Messiah came, only those looking for Him recognized His coming. For one man in particular, waiting turned out to be a blessing.

We are told in Luke 2:26 that the Holy Spirit told Simeon he would not die until he saw the Messiah. So Simeon had been looking for, waiting for, the Christ. He recognized the Savior because, unlike many of God’s people, he was acting in faith on the promises of God. Simeon’s hope finally materialized; his dream turned into reality. Was it worth the wait? Simeon saw the baby Jesus, the Messiah. He got to hold the baby Jesus in his arms, and then he was content to die. Joy filled his heart.

BOTTOM LINE

Consider what God is doing while you wait for Him.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 130:5