He asks me to wait
for my reward
my treasure
my reunion
to seek not satisfaction
now
but to be patient
for what is to come
in heaven
He asks me to trust
that all will be well
all will be made right
all will be forgiven
to seek not vengeance
now
but to give myself in love
for the love
of heaven
He asks me to give
of what I have to offer
to give of myself
of my gifts
to withhold nothing
now
but to die to self
for eternal life
in heaven
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Reflection:
Waiting for God can be extremely difficult. His timeline is not our own. As the apostle Peter says, “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).”
Our thoughts and desires are restricted to the time and space that confines us. It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to imagine eternity. And yet this is what Jesus asks of us. He asks us to be patient, not to seek the immediate satisfaction of our needs and wants, and to trust in the goodness of the Father (Matthew 20:1-16).
Much like we cannot fathom God’s sense of time, nor can we fathom His sense of justice. It is easy, when we feel slighted, hurt, or offended, to want to immediately right the wrong, on our terms and in our time, but, once again, we are told to wait, to be patient, and to give God the time and space to do His work, on His terms, and in His time (Romans 12:17-19).
Question for Meditation:
What am I waiting on God for right now, and how can I trust Him with both my desire and the timing of His response?
Related Bible Verse:
“But as for you, be patient in your suffering. … The God of all grace will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” — 1 Peter 5:10 (NRSV)
For Further Reading: For a related reflection on trusting God’s hidden work within you and walking by faith even when you cannot see, read Lectio Divina: Capable Of Spirit
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