Waiting and Hoping

“I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:13-22 ESV

January 13,2015 - Blog Week # 2 - Waiting and Hoping

Winter has arrived in top form here in Western Pennsylvania. Blowing snow, sleet and ice prevail.  So what are we hoping for? Spring, of course! I find it interesting how quickly our focus shifts from sparkly lights and evergreens to tulips and green grass. It is the same every year for most of us. Winter has only just begun, yet we yearn for warmer days and more sunshine. Instead of embracing this season, we begrudgingly trek through, missing its beauty.

I find myself yearning to jump seasons in my life as well. I would be dishonest if I said I did not sometimes long for the quiet freedom that comes when the children are grown. As an “older” mom, I am seeing that many of my peers are finding this season to be rewarding and productive; “finding themselves.”  I am tempted to resent my current place of child rearing, cooking and cleaning. If my old nature prevails, I “what if?” and “why me?” myself into a complete fit of regrets. But if instead, I recognize God’s gift of motherhood and how awesome it is that he prolonged my season here, I am joyful!  I am thankful! He is blessing this time of my life, and I am growing in Him through it. So whatever your season, embrace it, don’t chase it!  And relish the experience. Take care to glorify God as you do.

Consider Abraham. . God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. (Genesis 22:17) His promise seemed unreachable, when well into his life he and Sarah had not yet had any children. But despite the obvious physical challenge of the situation, Abraham believed God. And when it seemed impossible, Sarah became pregnant and indeed Abraham became the father he was promised he would be.  Abraham did not stop believing, and neither should we, that God’s timing is perfect. He is developing us; refining us until He sees fit to change our circumstances.

While we wait for one season to flow into the next, we must embrace our surroundings knowing that each day we spend here is another chance to grow closer to God. Take this season, this winter season, to spend time studying Scripture and developing your relationship with Jesus. Begin to journal and learn through His word what he wants for you and from you. You will be blessed!

 Here’s to pots of soup, fresh bread, hot chocolate; shoveling, plowing and growing in faith while we wait in hope for our next season and ultimately, for heaven!

Prayer: Father God, I pray to grow in knowledge of You and your Holy Word as I embrace this season in my life. May you be glorified by my words and deeds as I wait in joyful hope for the coming of your Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.