The Blessing Of Waiting

Scripture: Colossians 1:10

” That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

If you were asked, ” What do you want most, right now? ” what would you answer? Do possessions or opportunities for pleasure or advancement or security in the world come first to your mind? Alternatively, do you most want to see a friend or family member begin to follow God, or do you want to know Him better? Do you long to see His truth taken to those who have not heard it? Do you follow God’s way and submit to His timing in fulfilling even the desires that you know are in His will? What we want most and how we fulfill our desires reveal much about who we are.

^”  Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. ” (Genesis 25: 29-34)

Esau trading his birthright for stew is a reminder of our own world of instant gratification. The word “wait” is not often popular. When we are told to wait, we sometimes react with impatience, anger, or anxiety. But in our negative reaction to waiting – or our refusal to wait – we lose the benefits that come with patience.

1. Waiting provides the excitement of anticipation and pleasure of curiosity.

2. Waiting provides time for productivity.

3. Planning and waiting heightens appreciation.

4. Waiting can be a protection. This is especially true regarding intimate relationships. In a time and culture in which chastity is regarded as unrealistic, sex before marriage in most cases leads to regret, illness, or unplanned pregnancy. Waiting for intimacy until after exchanging marriage vows expresses the holiness of marriage and heightens the joy of a new, united life that is committed for a lifetime.

5. Waiting patiently indicates maturity. As one of the fruit of the Spirit, patience is an expression of a Christian’s maturity. (Ephesians 5:22) Waiting requires self-discipline. No one naturally wants to wait. That is why waiting requires sacrificing a person’s selfish desires and placing trust in God’s timing.

As a believer, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you. Resist your natural instinct to demand immediate gratification. Practice patience, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.

You too, have a spiritual birthright and a choice about what to do with God’s generous gifts. God has made Himself known in His word. He has brought salvation through His Son, Jesus. He comes close to you and in you through His holy spirit. It is you to how to begin to live in gratitude for the gifts God has given you, and in the light and hope of the inheritance that will be yours with Him forever.