A time management company sponsored a productivity survey a few years ago. The results suggested that over a lifetime we spend six months waiting at stoplights and a full two years waiting in line.
Oh, it’s at least that long. Think of all the lines you’re in on various days: supermarket checkout, bank, restaurant, movie theater, secretary of State, public restrooms, communion.
And other waits: for dinner to heat in the microwave, the price of that plasma TV to come down, a certain book to be published, the right mate to come along. We accept a wait at the doctor’s office. After all, they have dedicated a room to comfortably pass the time. Sometimes you put your name on a “wait list” to be informed when an item becomes available. I have a friend who’s currently a part of the ultimate wait—she’s expecting her first baby.
Waiting is a part of this life. It’s what we live with—some better than others. There’s an anticipation attached to waiting. And sometimes anxiety, too. We think we know what’s ahead of us…we’re anxious to get there…but we’re stalled and we want the journey to continue.
The Israelites faced such anticipation and anxiety during their journey to the Promised Land. They had been traveling along, enduring—not always graciously—bitter water, limited food supplies, battles with nomadic tribes, and an awesome display of thunder, lightening, and smoke from a mountain. They heard the voice of God speak simple words for abundant living.
And then their leader disappeared into the smoke of that mountain for a private chat with God. The journey came to a halt. For forty days and forty nights, the travelers waited around the mountain for the return of Moses. When he didn’t appear, they decided the delay had run its course. They devised a new travel plan, complete with a new leader and a new god. They crafted a calf from gold, offered sacrifices to it, and threw a festival in its honor.
Waiting is often a part of God’s work in our lives. Many waits are allowed because God wants to use the time to prepare us for something greater. Sometimes it’s a test. Not to prove ourselves to God. Rather, a test to prove ourselves to ourselves. Will we trust and persevere as we wait out God’s timing?
Paul told the Romans to be glad for the waiting: …we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint…(Romans 5:3 – 5). Perseverance builds character, and character that has been proven during times of patient waiting yields hope.
The impetuous character of the Israelite pilgrims proved out during their wait. Instead of persisting, they lost hope. They gave up on God. They moved ahead under the “protection” of a false god and a fickle new leader.
As Christians, we are also pilgrims moving toward a Promised Land—a Kingdom that will last forever. Jesus promised to return one day to claim it. We travel in a kind of holding pattern waiting for His return. We live each day trusting in the promise, enduring the trials and hardships of life, letting those experiences build strength, and clinging to the hope that assures we will live in peace, free of pain and suffering. But we have to wait it out. We cannot reach the Promised Land on our own. We cannot fashion our own god to lead us there. Jesus is preparing the place for us. He knows the way. We just have to be patient and wait for Him.
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