"Write down tthe revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Thought it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Hab. 2:2-3
I was at lunch with my students and they annouced that unfortunately, they had run out of food. Only about a third of the students had actually gotten something to eat and the rest of the students were standing in lines, constanlty being told to be silent, while their situation seemed both dire and hopeless. All of us teachers were starving as well and awaiting a break from this logisitical failure. I could look in the students eyes and see a mounting frustration, anger and confusion. Two hours later food arived.
Oftentimes with God we find ourselves in the waiting room. On Sunday I heard a pastor say that we often confuse the waiting room for the emergency room but I see it differently. I think we as Christians get lost in translation. We find ourselves waiting on God and waiting on God when really we are not in position to receive the promise, we are not ready to appreciate it and understand its importance. Its a matter of maturity and we mature in watching the thing that we want stare us back in the face.
But honestly what are we waiting for? And since when do we need something tangible to reaffirm our belief in His goodness? Has he not proven himself faithful time and time again? Will he not continue to do so? In fact all those questions simplify into one greater one: are we mature enough to serve while we fear we our without? As Christians we have been called to do a valuable work, a priceless service. James says that good religion is to take care of widows and orphans, those who are in need and those who are without. So while it appears that we are waiting, we are actually supposed to be walking out on faith. The term waiting implies that there is no work to be done and no action required. Trust is only half of the equation, the real job is to work in the vineyard while all around you storm winds blow. I admit, it's easy and theory and exceptionally difficult in practice. But He who is faithful, our loving Father promised to mount us up on eagles' wings while he renewed our strength. Don't just trust in God, continue to do the work for it is definately plentiful.
2 comments:
I used to hate waiting...waiting for the bus...waiting in the checkout line...waiting for voice mail messages to finish. OK so I still hate waiting!! I think my frustration is because waiting implies a lack of action. Fortunately the new testament doesn't talk so much about waiting..watching yes, working yes waiting not so much. Maybe lack of action and "good and faithful servant" are mutually exclusive.
It's so funny that you have this entry. My pastor and I talk all the time. And he told us about the complacency that sometimes settles on Christians. And they are always so quick to hold up Isaiah 40:31 without really taking into account all that is said there. Sure Isaiah 40 says we should wait on the Lord, but after that everything in that verse is moving. We shall mount up with wings as eagles. Run and not be weary. Walk and not faint. I think that you are absolutely correct Brother Dan. God is calling us to be Doers of the Word. And I am going to take this chance right now to try and put my best foot forward and Do what the Lord Our God has commanded me to. And stop "waiting" around for Him to do all the work for me. Him standing in the gap implies that we must first walk to the edge. Let's get started.
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