eagerly waiting...

"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses..." -Romans 8:22-26

In our Jesse Tree reading, Sarai laughed when God told her she would bear a son in her old age.  The people of God waited decades and centuries for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah.  We are a people still waiting His return. 

I am awaiting the birth of this baby girl, who will eventually come- I am not going to miss it.  Josh and I (and many colleagues) are waiting to be released from our Homeland Ministry Assignment to return to Uganda.  I have friends who are waiting for the gift of marriage, the blessing of children, the word of a job offer... Waiting is hard!! 

When we don't immediately see the fulfillment, or when we feel like the waiting will.never.end... we are tempted to doubt His goodness.  But the waiting is for a purpose.  He is at work behind the scenes. 

I love our tradition of Advent Envelopes- it is an encouraging visual for my children to see that there are a finite amount of days until Christmas.  But God doesn't want us to remain children forever- He desires our growth and maturity.  He is wooing us to Himself in the waiting.  He knows we are weak- so He sends His Spirit to help us wait. 

And what I love is that He doesn't call us to "pretty waiting"... there is nothing lovely about groaning and laboring... He calls us to eagerly wait.  We can trust His goodness toward us.  If He has given you a word or a promise- He will bring it to pass.  He will!  I don't know what you're waiting for today, but I do know that His word says, "The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." -Psalm 84:11

And as His waiting people we can rejoice: He is coming again- Maranatha- Come, quickly, Lord Jesus!