I have been considering our ability—and inability—to wait at critical times. I remember growing anxious during my assigned internship in college. I was becoming impatient because I had nothing to do for several days (and I like to do!). After talking to my professor about it, she advised that I wait and let her handle the situation. I did not wait. I took the matter into my own hands and spoke to my supervisor about it directly. My professor was NOT happy! As insecure human beings, we have a tendency to want to feel in control, to know what is happening at certain stages, to see the unseen progress, even to create progress if none is apparent. I have been an expert at this at times. But prayer and a faithful Father have changed that. I have seen Him work miracles as a result of waiting. Wisdom has taught me that HIS timing is not only perfect, it’s essential for His perfect work! I recall how at the beginning of this year my husband and I thought we had our plans all worked out. We thought we knew ‘The Plan,’ but world events have changed everything: our family’s location [necessitating an international move], our kids’ schooling, who we are quarantined with, and our next steps. I continue to wait for His revelation, His timing, and His direction. When I meditate on the resurrection of Jesus, I am reminded that Abba’s timing is absolutely perfect. How thankful I am that while Jesus was hanging on the cross, He trusted Abba’s redemptive plan and timing! He had to be in the grave over the Sabbath to force people to REST after the work of redemption had been completed. The women who followed His body to the tomb on Friday night returned on Sunday morning with spices in hand. Instead, they found an empty tomb!
Let’s stop right there for a moment. PAUSE. Rest. Aaah, the joy of knowing the end of the story! I smile with delighted content that they are about to discover the most earth-shattering, life-changing event in all of history!! An event that previously, they had no idea would happen. Luke 24:4 says, “As they stood there puzzled…” How many times have we stood at life’s crossroads and felt puzzled because we did not know the unseen facts? We did not know that Abba had already worked the plan out for us in advance. We stand there dumbfounded because it looks like a door slammed in our faces. We have forgotten that He has already gone before us and prepared a way, a better way, a miraculous way. We have forgotten that He is good…ALL THE TIME. Sometimes we assume that not knowing is the same as having no reason to trust. But many times—no, always, our Abba has gone ahead and worked out the plan in advance. “I will send my angel ahead of you to prepare the way for you” Exodus 32:34. How many times have we recognized after the fact that we almost missed Him and His providential timing? Why? Because our minds were too dull and we doubted. The Resurrection reminds us that HE has a purpose in everything that happens, and it is GOOD, because HE is good! He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Eccl. 3:11).
Lord God, I thank You that You are entirely faithful! You know the way we are to take, and You are working out the details and provision for the journey even now. Thank you Father, that You are shaking up my plans so I can receive your plan! Awaken my heart to be ready to recognize your plan and to cooperate with your Holy Spirit’s guidance. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. “Be still in the presence of the LORD and wait patiently for him to act…” (Psalm 37:7).
Today’s Bible Reading: Luke 24:1-12
By Julie Bransetter
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