WAIT


Our youngest daughter gave birth Wednesday at 8:09 am to a 20 ½ inch, 7.4 lb. baby boy, named Boston. She spent 18 hrs. in labor. Around her was all the medical technology that man could provide, pain medication, fetal monitor, an L&D nurse to check dilation, and family at her side. Yet, the waiting continued throughout the night into the morning, no sleep just, “I’m ready for this baby now! Let’s get this over with!” Megan has never been good with pain or waiting. When the two were synchronized together it was memorable to say the least.
When Boston finally joined the human race and snap-shots recording his every move were being taken, joy filled our hearts and the wonder of his presence among us was overwhelming. But, soon the elation turned to concern for he was not crying like the other babies. It was determined he had an infection and the nurses began the process of treating him. There was a rollercoaster of emotions while we waited minute by minute for the status of his condition. Megan was vexed with despair, saying; “What are they doing?” Why won’t they tell us something?” By 10 pm the word came that he was responding and would be ok. That was a long wait for us all. Psalm 27:14 came to my heart and mind, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the disciplines of the Christian life that is not easily learned without years of lessons. In this world where everything from global news to food is delivered up by microwave beams we are conditioned to expect instant results and responses. Christ-followers, also, expect God to quickly come through for their needs. “There should be no standing still if our request has been made known to Him,” is our reasoning.
When you are in a holding pattern and waiting on a solution, wait in prayer. Call upon God. Explain your situation to Him. Tell Him how difficult this is for you and plead with Him for His promise of help. When faced with a dilemma it is the sweetest thing to be humbled like a helpless child and wait simply in your soul upon the Lord. When we come to the place when we feel and know our own foolishness and willingly and whole-heartedly seek and wait to be guided by God’s will, it is at that moment when we are sure all will be well with us.
We should also wait in faith. Express your unwavering confidence in Christ. In your waiting if you are unfaithful and untrusting you are but an insult to the Lord. Believe that if He keeps you lingering even until midnight, that He will come at just the right time.
Waiting should also be carried out in patience. Don’t become agitated because you are under the gun. Instead, begin to bless God for it. Don’t find yourself like the children of Israel when they complained against Moses. They began murmuring that they wish they could go back to slavery again. No, accept the situation, it is what it is and simply with all your heart and without selfishness put it into the hands of your covenant keeping God, saying, “Now, Lord, not my will, but Yours be done. I don’t know what to do. I am spent emotionally, physically but I will wait until you bring a solution to my concerns. Lord, I will wait, no matter how long it takes because my heart is fixed upon You and you alone. I am fully convicted that you are the joy of my salvation, my strong tower, my refuge from this storm. Amen!”

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