by Victoria Heinecke

Is it time yet?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.””
John 2:3-4 New International Version

If you’ve had experience with small children, you may be familiar with a road trip scenario, where the children begin to whine, “Are we there yet?” Until they gain a sense of time, a one-hour road trip can feel like an entire day. They’ll wait for a while and repeat the question until they arrive or until they are re-directed to another activity to pass the time.

Jesus’ mother was not divine, but she was aware that her son was divinely born and thirty years passed without a sign. Perhaps this wasn’t the first time she’d asked Jesus if this was the occasion to show a sign that he was the Christ. Perhaps this dialogue of “It’s time for a miracle, Son” followed by “Not yet, Mother” may have even become an inside discussion between them.

There are times in our lives when we have a similar conversation with God.

Sometimes trials last for days or weeks, and sometimes they go on for years. Even when we understand God’s timing, it’s hard to accept. We want to pray, “Lord, grant me patience, and hurry!” Drop me a hint. Throw me a bone.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 New International Version

Waiting on God involves setting aside our expectations and drawing closer to Him. When we believe that all things work for God’s glory (Romans 8:28), we develop patience, and that gives us the strength and trust to persevere through our circumstances.

As we wonder how long our trials may last, let us pray not so much for patience and strength, but that God continues to draw us into his everlasting arms. There we find shelter to weather any storm.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo copyright Rebecca Wickert