“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Heb. 11:39-40)
It is befitting that I am writing on the topic of “Waiting” as I am literally waiting for the arrival of my second baby. I am 35 weeks pregnant and in 2 weeks I will be full-term. Waiting is a test of faith for me as my pregnancy is considered high risk due to the complications I had with my first child where we almost lost him in utero. At every doctor’s visit, my heart races and I’m holding my breath praying that my baby is well. The closer we are to our due date the more anxious I am.
The hardest thing about pregnancy is that I cannot control the outcome. The only thing I do have control over is trusting the Lord while I wait. But what does that look like? After all, I just had a strong faith-believing friend who went through a second painful miscarriage and another who lost her baby while 5 months pregnant.
First, there is no greater time in our lives when we are reminded that heaven, not earth, is our home than when we are waiting (Heb. 11:16). The anticipation and hardships of life are just a few reminders that earth is not our home. Heaven is the place where there is no more pain, suffering and sin. Waiting in faith produces a longing to be home with the Lord forever where we belong. All becomes dim in light of this reality.
Secondly, waiting in faith reminds us how little control we have and urges us to grow in our trust (Rom. 4:18-21). The Lord is Sovereign Lord (Hab. 3:19) and all things are under His control. In His perfect will for our lives, He does not set aside His goodness (Ps. 34:8) and His love (Ps. 100:5) over us, even in the midst of hardships (Job 42:1-6). Can we surrender to the goodness and sovereignty of His character? Can we bless Him with our faith while we wait?
Thirdly, waiting in faith is active. The heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 exhibited sheer, courageous faith. By faith, Noah built an ark (Heb. 11:7). By faith, Abraham left His home even though He did not know where He was going (Heb. 11:8). By faith, Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice (Heb. 11:17). By faith people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land (Heb. 11:29). What drove these heroes to such active faith? Their sheer belief in God as their Messiah who would one day grant them full access to His presence, and their belief in God as redeemer who would reward them someday when all the suffering was over (Heb. 11:39-40).
As I am writing, I feel both peace and conviction settle in my heart. I just came home from my doctor’s appointment feeling anxious. I have some of the same complicated symptoms as my last pregnancy and I don’t know what will be the outcome. I am reminded to fix my eyes on Jesus and radically trust His sovereignty and goodness. I am reminded that in my waiting God desires to grow my faith and to walk alongside me. Lastly, I am reminded to actively exercise my faith while I wait. I can worship Him and walk in obedience to what He calls me to each day – to know Him and to make Him known. What are you waiting in faith for?
Edna Lee
