Waiting on the Lord is a “coined phrase” in the church arena. As Christians, we have grown accustomed to waiting, especially in the area of answered prayers. In my early days as a Christian, I believed that once I prayed and made my request to God, that was all there was to it. I then was to sit back and wait for something to happen. Much of that time was spent impatiently and in frustration that God was taking too long to answer me.

We can learn a lot about waiting the right way from Prophetess Anna. For 84 years this widow remained in the temple worshipping, fasting, and praying faithfully, night and day, in great anticipation of the coming King. After all these years, she was able to witness the promised redemption the Father spoke of when his parents brought in Jesus, the Messiah.

Anna’s faithfulness was rewarded as she witnessed for herself the promised King in the temple. This is evidence that God is not slack concerning His promises. Eighty-four years of devoted prayers, thanksgiving, and worshipping in the temple is a great example of what constitutes waiting well.

When we await the promises of God, we are not to just sit back and wait for something to happen. Instead, we should continue serving, obeying, and worshipping faithfully in great anticipation of what’s to come. If we continue serving faithfully and in great expectation, we too will witness promised redemption in our own lives.

Lord, thank You for your faithfulness towards us. Even when we get weary in well-doing, You never fail to come through for us at the right time. Thank you for infusing us with the inner strength and power to remain focus while we wait. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go Deeper — What are you waiting for? Spend some quiet time talking to God about it, and then receive peace that, like Anna, you can trust it to happen when God knows it is the very best time. Pray expectantly and faithfully, not impatiently.

Read Further — Are you questioning why God is making you wait? Delay is not Denial.



Tags: Nativity Luke 2
Photo Credit: Karolina Grabowska