Shepastor: "Waiting on Jesus..."

"And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1: 30-32

When the young impoverished woman Mary received the message that she had found “favor with God” and was chosen to give birth to the Savior of the world, one can imagine she had no idea what these things meant! She would have to wait to find out. “Waiting on Jesus…” What does it feel like?

Many are waiting to understand what “favor” looks like in their lives. Many are waiting for the Lord to make clear some vision, “calling” or path. Some are waiting for Jesus to make some crooked places straight.

As you wait for the Lord in your life, what are some spiritually healthy ways to live through the waiting process? Below are some practical suggestions…

-Submit to the process: Fretting, complaining and arguing with God will not “speed up” the process. Join with Mary and say, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38, KJV)

-Prayerfully identify an “Elizabeth” with whom you can share and pray: Mary went to share her new revelation with a trusted cousin and friend, Elizabeth, who her-self was pregnant with John. The Lord has some other “pregnant” persons who will leap with joy as you share the words you’ve “heard” from the Lord. Everyone cannot and will not rejoice and pray with you. During the waiting process, it is critical to have a prayer partner who can relate to your period of spiritual gestation.


-Continue to trust the Lord to work out that which you cannot control: Mary was engaged to a wonderful man named Joseph. The message from the angel presented a HUGE problem, potentially life threatening problem for Mary…to be found “with child” before marriage and not by her fiancé culturally meant stoning! Mary had to trust the Lord to speak to Joseph and bring things into balance and peace. When the Lord is preparing to birth something new in our lives, it may disrupt even what seems beautiful. Loved ones may become angry, disillusioned and hurt. The Lord, however, will confirm His new direction and give peace to those called to become a part of the blessing being birthed.

Waiting is never easy. The Lord, however, will give you the grace, courage and strength as you submit daily through prayer, faith and hope.

May you and yours have a blessed, peace filled, and spirit yielded Christmas and New Year.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com.

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org