Thursday, March 19, 2009

Waiting for Grace














It is said that God answers prayers with one of three answers: yes, no, or wait.

Well, true—maybe. The statement presents an incomplete or rigid viewpoint. For quite often God does the waiting while His children are the ones who hinder or prevent forthcoming answers.

Sometimes, when we’re out-of-order, the Lord waits to be gracious . . . he [God] exalts himself to show mercy. . . . (Is. 30:18 RSV)

I like the Living Bible rendition of this verse: Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him, so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.

The nation of Judah was in a tight spot when Isaiah penned this. But rather than follow God they chose their own course of action and suffered dreadful consequences.

Meanwhile, God stood ready for the time when they would turn and call to Him. He waits to be gracious. . . .

Originally published August 28, 1981.
Picture: Dried crab apples of winter, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

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