The Wait of His Glory

Thursday, April 18, 2013 Posted by Sara

Tonight I sat on a hammock chair in my backyard, stealing away a few quiet moments with God. I was thinking of our prayer topic this week of answered prayer and how I used to hear the old adage, “Sometimes God answers prayer with ‘yes’, sometimes with ‘no’ and sometimes with ‘not yet’.”

I’ve never been particularly fond of the “not yets.”

Waiting is not my favorite.

It does wonders for growing things, however – like patience, faith, and trust.

As I sat swinging I noticed the rose bush in front of me. Most of its branches were green and leafy, and on one brave limb reaching to the sky was a lone red rose bud. Still curled, it spoke to me of the beauty of waiting.

I considered how our little rose bush had been busy renewing and growing over the last few seasons. Although through much of fall and winter this bush had looked quite barren, beauty was brewing within. With spring’s sweet arrival, it was time for the bush to unleash its glory.

I’ve had this thought in the midst of longing for things yet unseen (like having my own family), heart pangs like – “Jesus, I feel this ache that everyday that passes I’m missing out on time with my grandkids. Some days I feel time is quickly passing and dreams are fading.” During worship a few weeks ago, God said to me, “Waiting produces the biggest families.” He brought to mind Sarah and Abraham – their family inheritance would number the stars. And they knew a thing or two about waiting.

Sarah and Abraham aren’t the only ones who know about waiting for big families. God’s heart is that “not one should perish. (2 Peter 3:9)” Even now, He is waiting for His family to grow. In the midst of strife and tragedy around the world and a cry for Jesus to come back already – He too is waiting for His family to expand.

Through seasons that seem bleak or barren, when we wonder when the answers to our prayers will come, may we be encouraged by the wait of His glory.

Beauty is brewing. His faithfulness will be released. Our persistence prayers will not be in vain.

Perhaps this is your season for the roses to bud.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5-6
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Hebrews 6:15