by Kala Loptien

An Opportunity

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

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 ESV

I’ve been seeing these three words everywhere lately: pray, wait, trust. Most of the time, they are strung together. In fact, I have a little decor piece in our kitchen that stares me down every day. I’ve never really been a fan of the “w” word (wait). Sure, I can encourage someone else while they wait. But have I mastered the art of waiting? Not even close!

How do you feel about the “w” word? I suppose there are varying levels. We wait for our pot of coffee or we wait in traffic. We countdown to the next family gathering, fun outing or vacation. Then at times, these moments are taken to another level. We wait for news about a job, results from a test, a loved one to return home or a phone call with an update.

As Christ Followers, we will always be waiting this side of eternity. Waiting for Him to take us home. Knowing this, and reading what He says to us about our wait, we should be really good at it, right? A few key phrases come to mind: trust with all your heart; He knows the plans; do not be anxious about anything; take heart and wait for the Lord; be still; pray at all times and every occasion; He works for the good of those who love Him.

These are all promises and declarations, meant to encourage and sustain us as we wrestle with life’s challenges. These are the reminders we need from the Word every day. It is in those difficult seasons of waiting that we are given an opportunity — not to be idle. Rather, we are handed intentional moments to cry out to God–allowing His peace and comfort to overtake the doubt and fear. It’s a chance to cling tightly to our Creator and wait with a heart that’s ready to receive His answers… in His time.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado