Reflections for Advent: In the Waiting

As I sat down to read my Bible and review my prayers, I was reminded of a tear filled conversation where my heart was longing to see restoration. The advice given to me was to wait and trust God with the situation. I was encouraged to trust that He was working. I was reminded that He longs for restoration more than I myself am longing for it.

Not long after I had another tear-filled moment, where I felt angry with God for not being with me, like in person. I realize this may sound strange, and there may be extra emotions due to my pregnant hormones raging. Nevertheless, I was longing to be with my Savior, the one to whom I have devoted my life, in the flesh. Is it too much to ask for him to visit? Maybe go out for lunch or how about tea time? I mean why not visit earth more often than one short 30 year lifespan? "If you really loved me",  I thought.

As I write this, it's six days until Christmas. It's the season of advent when we are reflect on how long many people of faith had to wait for the Messiah to be born. My further reflection concludes that the Christian life seems to consist of a lot of waiting, a lot of trusting, a lot of serving, and a lot of "faithing".

At times, I feel like a child whom every morning in the month of December wakes up and asks, "How many days until Christmas now?" The answer never quite feels satisfying. Instead I think of how much longer I must wait, and all the boring and menial tasks I have before me until the day of joy finally comes! Waiting is so hard and I don't like it anymore that my 8 year [insert a stomped foot here]. 

Then I am lead to wonder, "why all this waiting?" "What is the purpose?" Is it only to mope around in discontentment and dissatisfaction? Or is there meaningful work and preparation meant for this season of waiting?

The more seasoned members of the household may likely be more understanding and even thankful for a season of waiting and preparation because there is much to do to make sure that special day goes just right. There is often a special gift, a special meal or a special activity planned for each person. This preparation reminds me the preparation Jesus spoke of in John 14:1-3 as he comforted his disciples prior to his death, resurrection, and ascension, 

    "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms...and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Maybe this is the purpose of waiting, for God to prepare a place and to prepare hearts for his second coming. Thankfully, we do not need to wait alone, we have the company and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is with us. God with us, Immanuel, who is comforting us, strengthening us, and equipping us to do the will and work of God until we see him face to face. 

This is the beautiful tension of advent, we can experience God with us now in the waiting. In the waiting we can have faith that there will one day be full restoration and communion with our Friend and Father and with one another. So keep the faith. Wait with expectation that God is at work and bringing all things to order in His perfect timing and His perfect way. Press onward.

Questions for reflection

1. Have you had a spiritual season where you had to wait on God? What was challenging and what brought you comfort?

2. Has waiting ever caused you to question God and his character? What are some truths and promises from scripture that speaks truth to these questions?

3. Do you have faith that Christ is with you and will one day return? Why or why not? What steps can you take to grow in your faith?