I always feel optimistic at the start of a new month. It is an indication of a new beginning, and it is often accompanied by an air of expectation. Before, my focus would only be on accomplishing my set goals for the month. However as I spend more time with Jesus and I hear more from Him, my focus has changed. I now look forward to deeper communion with Him and to learn His wisdom. The start of each month brings an expectancy of the new things that Christ will bring forth in all areas of my life.
Waiting Is a Necessity
When I received this topic towards the end of September, I thought to write this article then. However I now realize that it was meant for today: October 1, 2018. Expectation means that you are waiting for something (generally good) to happen; or that you anticipate that certain state of affairs will manifest. We all love good things and we can positively look towards the desired end goal. The issue that we tend to have is the fact that… we have to wait!
Waiting is not something that we like to do, but the Word of God emphasizes the importance of waiting on Him:
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31, NKJV.
Also my favorite waiting scripture:
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!Psalm 27:14, NKJV.
We have the notable example of Jesus’ disciples, the women (including His mother Mary), and His family members waiting in the Upper Room in Jerusalem. 1 What were they waiting for? They were waiting for the promise of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. 2 They were all in one accord in prayer and supplication, as they waited in expectation for the arrival of the Holy Ghost. The Lord honored His promise and the power of the Holy Ghost fell on the day of Pentecost:
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Then there appeared to them [cloven] tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy [Ghost] and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Personal Waiting Seasons
Although waiting can be difficult, it can be encouraging to have company while you wait. However what about those cases when your wait is a personal experience that you have to bear alone? This was what Hannah experienced.3 Her infertility stretched across a number of years. At the beginning everyone waited for the newly-weds Elkanah and Hannah to start having children. And everyone waited… but no baby’s cries came forth from their quarter. We don’t know for sure if Peninnah was a second wife from the very beginning, but she had multiple births. So we know that’s a whole lot of years to wait!
Hannah waited in her personal agony of wanting what everyone else had. She waited through the social stigma of infertility. Hannah waited in tears through the constant and close taunts of her rival Peninnah who never made her forget what she lacked.
No Situation is Permanent
The family traveled each year to worship and make sacrifices unto God in Shiloh. Finally Hannah had enough! She went into the temple and just bared everything to God. Hannah was tired of suffering all alone and she wanted a change. She made a vow that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him in full-time service to the Lord. The head priest Eli thought she was drunk, but then discovered that she was just in the throes of bitter anguish before the Lord.
Then Eli answered and said [to Hannah], “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman [Hannah] went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.
So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”
Wait in Hopeful Expectation
We all love a good story that ends well! However, if you are going through a personal waiting experience, I encourage you to change the posture of your heart while you wait. Do not give in to the urge to fall into depression. Do not listen to anything that Peninnah tries to tell you. Reject all negative reports and self-talk! Your current situation is not permanent. You are not alone, you are never alone, because Jesus is always with you. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b, NKJV). Believe with all your heart that Jesus will never withhold any good thing from you and that you will receive your request of Him. 4Your divine promise will manifest in His set time and through His special methods. Wait with an air of joyful expectation that you will receive that which He promised you.
Blessings, peace and wisdom upon you,
Sophia.