The Waiting Game

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Advent is our season of waiting. We wait for a baby to appear on the scene. As Christians, we know the significance of this baby. Before we were followers of Christ we still waited. Waited for Christmas, for Santa, for shopping to be finished or for payday so we could finish gift hunting.

Little did we know then that the greatest gift of all was soon to make an appearance. Our dark world would soon be lit up. Truth would make an entrance, and nothing would ever be the same again. Even our 'waiting' would change.

About nine years ago I was waiting for Jesus in a different way. My husband received a terminal diagnosis and we waited to see what God would do. I was waiting for Him send a cure, instead He sent a Savior to take my husband back home with Him.

Because of Advent, that time of waiting for a Savior--a Redeemer, my waiting was not a hopeless time, but a time of growing in faith and endurance.

Imagine Jesus' mother, Mary, and her time of waiting. Again, a time of waiting for a Savior, a Redeemer. As I am starting to learn, waiting is not a negative state, but a state of pregnant expectation.

Each year we begin this season waiting and anticipating what God will do for us, with us, and sometimes despite us, in the coming year. How are you spending your ‘waiting’ time this year? Please share in the comments below, or feel free to email me here.

Isaiah 43:1-13

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) 
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

How many of us can relate to these words: "I know what it means to be in need?” We all have seasons when we struggled. These struggles took many forms - financial, health, relationships, or even faith. Losing a job is devastating, and hearing a terminal diagnosis stops us in our tracks. Hearts are broken when relationships shatter. Even our faith is put to the test.

Then there are those times of plenty, when life is smooth and flowing steady. Money is not an issue and giving comes more naturally.  Our health problems have been cured, the relationship mountain has been scaled and our faith is flourishing.

For many, faith grows when faced with the stark facts of life, and they turn to God for deliverance. Where do you find yourself these days? Are you in the midst of unimaginable grief and pain?  Or is this a season that you are feeling free spirited and excited about tomorrow?

We know that where ever we find ourselves today, tomorrow it might be totally different. But, with faith we will be okay.  With faith, tomorrow could be a turning point. If you have plenty, share with those who don't. If you find yourself needing a hand, don't be afraid to take reach out and take it.

Philippians 4:10-19