GIFTS OF WAITING Some of the first words a toddler learns are me and now. From that point on, young children struggle to learn that they may not get everything they want or need and that they may have to wait a long time to get it. After Jesus rose from the dead, he spent 40 days trying to help the disciples learn how to wait for God’s timing so they could discern God’s next steps for them. Even so, they asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” In other words, “Could you do this for us now?” They wanted it all, and they wanted it now! Will and Sandy were faithful to each other and to God. They went to church and participated in various ministries. They tithed and helped people who were needy. But they also expected God to bless them for their faithfulness. So they prayed for a house, cars, jobs and bonuses, believing that God would provide everything. After all, Scripture promises “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Another couple at church, Greg and Carol, prayed sincerely for justice, peace, love and evangelistic victory. The problem was, they wanted those things now! They had little patience for the sluggishness of the church or the slow pace of ministry. They were convinced that God wanted to do great things in this world, and they sincerely wanted to glorify him in their social ministry and evangelism. But things were happening too slowly, and their patience was running thin. They became more critical of the church and less active in its work. And they felt increasingly more distance between themselves and God. Jesus responded to his disciples’ question, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” by promising them the power of the Holy Spirit, so they could be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. He responds to our requests—and to those of other couples—by directing us back to what empowers us: trust in the God who made us, redeemed us and gives us all things in his time. Money problems, sickness and emotional difficulties stress a relationship. But nothing is quite so devastating as unmet expectations. The longer those go unfulfilled, the less tolerance loved ones have for each other and the more tension builds. The only way to deal with the problem is for couples to be honest with each other, reset their priorities and then decide how best to meet those needs over time. Likewise, as we continue to bring our needs to God, we can have faith and not lose heart when he fails to immediately provide what we need. For during the waiting time, he may be giving us far better gifts than those we have asked for—gifts that can ease our selfishness, build our relationships and strengthen our families. As we wait and trust, we begin to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22–23).
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 03:58:13 +0000
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