Are We There Yet?预览

Good Things Along the Way

We are all waiting for something, whether on earth or in heaven. But we often miss the good things that God provides for us along the way. And He wants us to enjoy them.

Nehemiah’s rebuilding of the city wall was part of a hectic waiting season for the people of Jerusalem. And even after they completed the wall in record time (Nehemiah 6:15), there was still a long way to go. “At that time the city was large and spacious, but the population was small and none of the houses had been rebuilt” (Nehemiah 7:4, NLT). So, God decided to give them a little break along the way.

Since the people had no houses yet, God instructed them to build shelters and have a party. The rules were simple. “And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! So, everyone who had returned from captivity lived in these shelters during the festival, and they were all filled with great joy! The Israelites had not celebrated like this since the days of Joshua, son of Nun” (Nehemiah 8:10;17, NLT).

Centuries later, Jesus used the same festival to give his disciples a break. Following Jesus was taking its toll. “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him” (John 6:66, NLT). The wait was on for the great day of the Lord. So, he sent his brothers to enjoy the Jewish Festival of Shelters without him, if only to gain some strength for what lay ahead. “‘You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come’” (John 7:8, NLT).

What good things is God giving you along the way of your waiting season? What can you enjoy that will build your strength while you wait?

Let us find joy amid our seasons of waiting. God delights in giving you a break. “So, I recommend having fun because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, NLT).