Advent season is for waiting patiently for God to reveal God’s plan and purpose of salvation in each generation. We wait, whether patient or not, for such a revelation. We have waited to see how God is going to redeem the chaotic year we have had, the effects of the virus on our lives, the unrest in our political systems, the injustice among people of color in America. How do we wait?
Sometimes we wait patiently. We stay home. We keep our bubble secure. We work remotely. We rearrange our homes so our children can attend school on electronic devices. We wait patiently for God to work and act through scientists and public health officials and others who are empowered by God to bring about an actual healing from the virus. We would like to be able to act, but the action that is required of us is patient waiting.
Sometimes we wait impatiently. We cannot sit back and watch the thing happen. So we seek ways to partner with God in what God is doing to bring salvation and redemption in a particular setting. I am waiting impatiently for racial justice in America. My impatient waiting involves educating myself and speaking up, all while I am praying for wisdom and guidance from God.
Always we need to pray in our seasons of waiting. Prayer enables us to know if this is a time to act or a time to still ourselves to make room for God to act through others. Knowing the difference is critical. Joseph wanted to walk away from the pregnancy he had nothing to do with. But in a dream, God came to him with a prompting to act. And he did. He acted out of love, following the will and direction of God. He took Mary as his wife and raised the Savior as his own.
In this season of waiting, what is your prayerful discernment revealing about God’s call on your life? How is God prompting you in this season of waiting? Where is God calling you to act? Where is God calling you to wait more patiently?
May God give you the courage to act when you must, and to wait more patiently when you ought.
Blessings,
Pastor Becky Jo Messenbrink