Everybody is waiting for something. What are you waiting for—employment, marriage, family peace? Imagine having to wait centuries for the fulfillment of a promise, but there was no evidence that it would be fulfilled. This was the spiritual and emotional climate during the time Jesus was born. People were waiting for God to fulfill the promise of restoration through the Messiah, but the political, social, and spiritual darkness concealed any evidence that God would keep His promise. Many people became weary of being righteous. Yet, there was a man who continued to wait and trust in God’s promise (Luke 2:25).
After the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah, Simeon kept waiting and hoping for the true comfort of God’s people (Luke 2:26). As Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus one day, Simeon probably asked for the 10,000th time: “Is this the one?” The Holy Spirit responded: “Yes! This is the One!” The wait was finally over. Simeon held in his arms the salvation for all people (Luke 2:28). Jesus was the consolation for God’s people, bringing the comfort of a restored and renewed relationship with Him (Luke 2:30-31).
We no longer have to wait for Messiah. He lived and died so that we can be restored to God. As believers in Jesus, however, sometimes we find ourselves in a waiting season. The Holy Spirit wants us to hear afresh the words with which Isaiah encouraged God’s people: “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind” (Isaiah 40:31 MSG).
God’s restoration and renewal are worth the wait.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 15:1-21
More:
Read Hebrews 6:15. What did Abraham do as he looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise?
Next:
When have you become weary as you waited for God to act? What encouraged you to remain patient and hopeful during this difficult season?
tom felten on October 30, 2013 at 8:38 am
Marvin, thanks so much for this encouraging post. As each of us wait for whatever is on our heart, how great is it that we can rest in the wisdom of our loving, sovereign God? And we can also hope in what Jesus said; “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13).
Yovoyan Abraham on October 30, 2013 at 11:09 am
When we have the assurance within our soul by the help of the Holy spirit within us, we’ll rely on God’s abundant love. Then, we can hope and be rest assured that he’ll neither leave us nor forsake us. Take joy and hope in the Love He has for you.
mike wittmer on October 31, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Amen, Marvin. Now we wait for His return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:20).
winn collier on October 31, 2013 at 2:35 pm
I’ve been reading Isaiah recently, and pondering the promises, the hopes. The ways we are waiting, as well as the ways God has already acted…