God is in the Waiting

Luke 2:25-33 (NIV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 

Our life changes when we receive a promise of God.  How many days or decades did Simeon have to wait on God's promise? 

When God gives us a promise, we must rely on God for the patience to wait. To receive, we must focus on staying in step with the Holy Spirit.  

27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

The waiting caused Simeon's faith and character to mature.  As far as we, know.  Simeon never got to see the miracles, or the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, but still He believed and talked about them in past tense. 

God has specific promises for us too; however, there is waiting between the promise and the fulfillment.  

Don't waste the wait. 

1. Wait for a promise of God for you. 

Here are some promises for you in the Bible. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Matthew 11:28-30  (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:10  (NIV)

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2. Wait expecting.  

Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)

24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Even if you can't see it, God is still working.  God's working is not contingent on you being able to see it.  Don't wait passively, but wait expecting.  

3. Wait and celebrate.  

Romans 4:17-20  (NKJV)

17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

God comes through on every promise based upon our relationship with Jesus not based upon our good works.  

Here are some more promises from God to you if you've made Jesus your Lord and Savior. 

John 15:6  (NKJV)

6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

Psalm 23:4  (NKJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

John 16:33  (NKJV)

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:19  (NKJV)

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jesus, please be my Lord and Savior.  Father, I trust, believe, and expect what you have said to be true in me.    

Matt Wright, Willow Creekcreek