Waiting ...

I must admit, waiting is not something I do well. I function quite comfortably in the current "microwave" society ... instant results, instant answers, instant solutions, instant changes ...

I become very anxious when the word wait enters the conversation. God is doing a lot these days in teaching me to wait. The things I'm asking for don't have instant solutions. My path these days is slower, less certain. God illumines the path one step at a time. What is beyond the current step is often an unknown.

That's where I am with my prodigals. God shows me where to step, how to pray, what to pray for today, then gives me the grace to stand in that spot until time to move on. I have on my running shoes. I'm ready for the gun to fire so I can sprint down the path, get to the finish line, declare victory and dance at the party! But today, I look at my feet to find house slippers. Can't run in those. They are for comfortably remaining at home and waiting to put on shoes to leave the house. God is slowing me down, teaching me to listen to His prompting, training me to trust Him and Him alone, then wait for HIM to bring the victory.

Micah 7:7 says this: But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord; I will wait for my Savior; My God will hear me.

Look at what God says for me to do: He reminds me to "watch in hope." My eyes are alert to see what God will do. Perhaps another way to say that is expect to see God do what only God can do. Although my eyes are active, my mind doesn't wander from the hope I have in God. Then, the hard part. I am to "wait for my Savior". Think about that for a minute. We often think of Christ as the Savior. The One Who died to save us all from eternal death and separation from a Holy God. But is it possible that we could extend His role as Savior into our day-to-day experiences? Although our primary prayer for everyone is that all would come into a saving relationship with Christ for eternity, can't we also ask Him to save us and those we love each day? I have come to call upon the Savior to "save" my children from danger daily ... to "save" their minds and thoughts that have wandered contrary to the Truth. As I continue to ask and seek, I wait. As with all manner of "saving", the timing is always in the Hands of the Savior. And waiting is active, not passive. It isn't pacing and wringing our hands and wondering what the Savior is up to, and what should we do next? Active waiting, is intentionally remaining, abiding in the Presence and Hope of the Savior. Allowing Him to take captive any anxious thought we may be tempted to entertain. And finally, knowing that God will hear our prayer. God always stands ready to hear and answer.

As I continue this path with my children, I'm growing to understand that as I seek God to do a work in them, He may be doing an even greater work in me. I believe that everything we walk through can and will be redeemed by our loving Heavenly Father. As we wait on Him, He is building in us, a deep and abiding faith and trust in Him.

Today, take a deep breath, and feel His Power and Presence pour over you as you wait on Him to save.

Be blessed!