Hurry Up and Wait

Hurry Up and Wait

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Is. 40:31 NKJ)

One thing I learned early during my enlistment in the U.S. Navy is the truth of this off repeated statement—hurry up and wait. Time after time we marched down to the mess hall for chow only to have to wait. During graduation exercises, we had to wait in formation for two hours before passing in review. It was a very hot day and several of the men in my platoon passed out. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and one that I definitely do not want to repeat. It seemed to me that the military operates on the hurry up and wait principle.

     Much the same holds true in civilian life. No one likes to wait, whether it’s in a long line at the grocery store, or at the airline ticket counter, or for a family member to get ready for church. I have a friend who was always late because his wife took forever to get ready. He would threaten, “I’m going to leave without you,” but it never seemed to help.

     Waiting is tough, especially since we are living in such a fast paced society. Instant gratification seems to rule the day. People want it NOW! How many times have you drummed your fingers on the steering wheel while waiting in a traffic jam? When a vehicle breaks down and traffic is reduced to one lane, cars and trucks back up for miles waiting to get past. Yes, waiting is tough, especially when it comes to the big issues like: waiting to be seen in an emergency room of a hospital, waiting to hear about a job interview, waiting for a tow truck after a breakdown, or waiting for an answer to an urgent prayer.

     God doesn’t always answer our prayers when we think he should, or in the way we desire, but he always answers. The answer may be positive or negative, or he may say—wait. Our part is to trust him when the answer is delayed. God’s timing is always perfect, and he has our best interest in mind.

     Do you think it was easy for Abraham to have to wait thirteen years before realizing the promise of a son? Was it easy for Noah to wait for rain to come? How did David handle waiting seven years to become king? What were Mary’s thoughts while she waited for the son of God to be born? The Scriptures tell us that they all continued to trust in his perfect timing.

     Have you been praying about an important issue and found God silent? Are you doing like David, “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Ps. 40:1 NLT)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to waiting patiently for your answers to my prayers.