I read this in my YouVersion Bible app devotional this morning. I can't say it any better, so I'll just copy it here. The devotional is called Waiting Here for You, An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio. I highly recommend the devotional for us at this time of year since we're all waiting on our loved ones to make right choices and come back to God's open arms. This time of year is hard for me, as I'm sure it is for us all, since it's not the plan I had for my family. By this time in life, I pictured grandchildren and happy families all gathered together for the holidays and my birthday soon after. Instead I'm waiting. I know God's timing is perfect so I rest in that and on His promise to me that my son "will return from the enemy's land."
Merry Christmas!
“So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.”
Lamentations 3:26 NLT
http://bible.com/116/lam.3.26.nlt
GOD WORKS WHILE WE WAIT
REFLECTION
If we are honest, we all hate to wait. In fact, most often we say something like, “I can’t believe this is taking so long; it’s costing me time I don’t have!” That’s because most of us consider waiting to be wasting. But it’s not so with our God.
God works while we wait. Even when you can’t see what He is doing, God is always orchestrating the events of heaven and earth to accomplish His purposes for your life. Trust in His unfailing love—love that moved Him to send a Savior from heaven to restore and rescue you. God’s plans for your life will not be thwarted. Wait patiently, knowing that waiting is never wasted when you are waiting on God.
MEDITATION
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
PRAYER
Father, I am here waiting for You. My heart and hands are open to Your purposes and plans for my life. Give me the patience I so desperately need and lead me in my waiting. Though my feelings may not be there just yet, I believe You are moving on my behalf right this minute, protecting, defending, preparing, providing. Give me grace to keep trusting in You in the face of the gale force winds of doubt that are blowing all around me. Anchor my heart in You. Amen.