“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 7:15 NIV)
I had to wait a good long while the other day at the doctor’s office. Two and a half hours to see a pediatric pulmonologist. (Our Sarah’s had some covid long-hauler symptoms, we’re just getting her checked out.) I had failed to bring the book I’ve been devouring and the great big children’s hospital sucked up my phone battery like a kid with a juice box.
I can tell you, I did not wait well. This is a big week at our house, with Sarah’s graduation extravaganza and family in town and a few other moving pieces that aren’t quite public knowledge. I didn’t truly have time to make the trek to Katy and back for a specialist, let alone the long wait in the wi-fi void.
When we finally saw the doctor, all my angst faded away. He was so kind, thorough and professional. He spent ninety minutes with us, reviewing her X-rays and pulmonary function numbers. He asked good questions, listened carefully for the answers, examining and explaining all our potential treatment routes. I was duly impressed. Needless to say, he was worth the wait.
I wonder, how much moreso are the promises of God?
Despite it’s inferior feeling, waiting is actually a powerful posture. It is not the defeat as the enemy insists, but instead it’s an exhibition of absolute trust in a good God. Waiting exhibits total reliance on the Almighty, big belief that He’s going to make it all right in His timing.
Abraham, my moving buddy, waited patiently for his promise to unfurl. Lest we forget, what was he promised? A land and a people. For a guy who moved seventeen times throughout Mesopotamia, this promise had to be a pretty big deal. (I can relate; I actually hate moving and often all I long for is a home and a people.) This scripture gives us a picture of Abraham, though, receiving the fullness of his promise. Can you see him? Settled in Beulah Land watching the que grow long at heaven’s gates? All his people are coming Home.
What are we waiting for? Dare I ask, is it temporary and fleeting or is it eternal? I am chided as I consider my little waitlist. If the thing we hope for is impermanent, we are wasting precious resources. What is essential is eternal and we do well to let everything lesser fade into proper perspective.
Instead we focus on obedience: coming and going and loving and living as we are instructed. Again, Abraham is such a great example. He listened to the Lord and did as he was told. And scripture confirms it: he is receiving his reward!
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26 ESV)
Lord, please give us proper perspective as we wait. May our hearts be tied up on eternal things, let the lesser fall away. Give us the strength and patience to wait well, as we look forward to the fullness of Your promise unfurling. Amen.