Have you ever had to sit and wait for The Lord to give you direction? An old friend of mine called it being “put on the shelf.” Waiting isn’t easy. I’m sort of in that place right now. It feels like being a kid again and waiting for Christmas to come.
Abraham was given a promise from God of an heir, a son. But His wife, Sarah, couldn’t wait. It had been 10 years already after all. So she decided to take matters into her own hands by giving her servant, Hagar, to Abraham to bring about fulfillment of God’s promise.
Sarah hurt Hagar, who was not in any position to resist. Abraham complied, neither did he resist. He should have prayed to God and asked Him. Sarah also hurt herself emotionally. She later despised Hagar after Ishmael was born.
But God kept His promise and the child Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah after 25 years.
Many of today’s Middle East conflicts are the result of animosity between Ishmael (Arabs) and Isaac (Jews), both sons dearly loved by Abraham. (Genesis 16: 21, 25)
Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God’s will was important. Isaac and his ancestral line belong to Lord Jesus. (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38)
Lord Jesus also had to wait until God gave Him the direction to finish His earthly ministry. (John 7:8)
Paul had to spend time in the Arabian desert before he began his ministry. (Galatians 1:15-18)
The disciples spent three years following Lord Jesus prior to working as ministers.
It is still important for God’s servants to wait until Lord Jesus gives His orders today.
One year, when I was about six years old, I got up early early early Christmas morning, before anyone else stirred. Curious and excited, I unwrapped all of my presents. Then, still curious and excited, I unwrapped all of my baby sister’s gifts too. I couldn’t wait.
Experience and the Word of God teach us to wait, wait on the Lord.
What does God have you waiting for?
Read More:
GATHERED TOGETHER: GOD'S HAND MOVES
(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon