Waiting WellMuestra

A few years ago our family took a road trip across the Midwest. To save time, we drove through fast food restaurants and ate while continuing on the journey. One particular occasion we drove into the line where we waited our turn to order. Within moments, a voice from inside the menu station asked us to, “Order when ready.” We did so, moving forward to the next window where we anticipated receiving our food. There we waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, Chad peered into the lit restaurant to discover—we were all waiting on something that was never going to come. The restaurant was closed! The lights were on and there was a motion-sensored recording at the menu station offering to take orders. But no human was actually there. No food was coming.

When our waiting feels like a line of perpetual uncertainty, without answers—much like Hannah’s waiting, there is a danger of losing faith that God is listening. Such long spans of time tempt us to question the character and faithfulness of God. Taking in our surrounding, sometimes there is no evidence He is answering our prayer. We wonder if He will come through for us. In these critical moments, you and I need a strategy to meet such precarious predicaments in victory. Hannah, again, waits well.

Hannah clings to the only One who can help her. She resolves to believe He will bring to fruition that which she awaits. Then she does something most of us don’t. In the middle of her waiting, Hannah chooses to rejoice. Before it is her turn, prior to seeing any evidence that God will answer her petition, Hannah chooses to praise God…anyway.

Before it is your turn-before anything you have asked comes to fruition, praise Him! When you cannot see through the waiting; when encouragement does not come and your enemy pummels you with vicious fiery darts until you find yourself in a desperate place—rejoice anyway!

If He makes you wait, there is divine purpose in it.

May we not miss the opportunity to wait well.

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