Devotional // 5.2.2012 | “The Privilege of Waiting”
In Genesis 16:1-2 (NKJV) we read:
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.
[Click HERE to read Genesis 16]
As God’s children, we must not allow Abraham and Sarah’s life mistakes to be wasted by choosing to make the same mistakes by overriding God’s pre-ordained plans. In page 145 of Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen White writes:
Abraham had accepted without question the promise of a son, but he did not wait for God to fulfill His word in His own time and way. A delay was permitted, to test his faith in the power of God; but he failed to endure the trial.
It is easy for us to accept God’s promises, but the ‘waiting’ part (that often precedes the arrival of these promises) is where we usually find ourselves struggling. Knowing we are to receive something from God is always a great thing. Who doesn’t like looking forward to God’s blessings? Instead of groaning, complaining, pacing and tapping our feet on the floor of impatience, how about this? Let’s strive to, in advance, and in faith, express our sincere gratitude for what’s yet to come (even though we may not know what’s coming). After all, it is God that is 'all-knowing’, not us.
I find the object lessons in Genesis 16 humbling and eye-opening. So often we find ourselves wanting to speed up the pace of life and what comes our way; but God permits us to go through slow-paced days to teach and remind us that waiting on Him is not a curse but a privilege! By placing us in seasons of waiting, He is allowing us to see, learn and experience things in ’micro-spect’. There are things we so easily overlook when we so quickly see them in ’macro-spect’.
No matter how difficult waiting becomes, we can be assured that when God is the One we are waiting on and for, we are not waiting in vain. While we wait, our loving and generous Dad teaches, guides, purifies, strengthens, equips, encourages, motivates, comforts and loves us. He even reveals Himself to us! Well, how about that? …a God who doesn’t let us wait empty-handed, but 'hands’ us His blessings and holds our hands while we wait!
Here is another humbling thought I was also reminded of today: Often times, God waits for the right time to bless us. He permits us to wait because there are things He still desires to teach us either about ourselves, others, His leading in our lives and our faith in Him. In order to more fully appreciate and apprehend the still-to-be-had and yet-to-take-place blessings, we are granted the opportunity to deepen our dependence on God, strengthen our faith and refine our character. Also, it is important that we wait prayerfully and faithfully. Doing so enables us to discover that the classroom of waiting is full of countless lessons just waiting to be learned.
Today, let us praise God for reminding us that not only is waiting a privilege, it is also a blessed opportunity for more learning. …that and the growing of our faith, too! So you see, waiting is a privilege, a gift from God to those He wants to equip.
Friends, as we go through the many seasons of waiting, let us invite God to refine us with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ in order that we may be more worthy to receive the blessings coming our way. …and trust God, because they are coming! …and they are custom-made, chosen and reserved especially for you!
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Song. “Teach Me Lord to Wait”by Gold City. I was unable to find a YouTube video with the acapella version I like (sung by First Day), so I’m posting this one instead. This is one of my favorite songs.
Prayer. Father, thank You for the privilege of waiting. As we wait on You, send us the Holy Spirit to give us the heart and mind of Jesus, that we may be channels of Your love while we wait. Please be with my brothers and sisters reading this; affirm their decision to wait in faith and prayer for the blessings You are about to bestow upon them. Grant them pearls of wisdom through their life experiences so they may be fully equipped for Your work. Thank You for this blessed day. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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