Waiting

My family just returned from a trip to Orlando. My boys (and I) are huge Harry Potter fans so we were thrilled at the prospect of experiencing the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.

If you've ever been to an amusement park, you know that the amusement comes at a price -- and not just the price of a ticket, food, parking, etc.

We waited in line to get into the parking lot.

We waited in line to buy our tickets.

We waited for the park to open so that we could get in a much shorter line for the new Escape from Gringotts ride.

We waited in line to buy Dumbledore's wand for Kaden and Snape's interactive wand for Josiah.

We waited in line to buy a cup of Butterbeer ice cream (no, it's not real beer; it's like cream soda).

I think you get the idea.

We were willing to wait for the food we love to eat. We were willing to wait for our favorite rides. We were willing to wait for the things we enjoy. But how often are we willing to wait on God?

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" ‭Psalm‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ (ESV)

I will admit that it isn't fun to wait. It seems impossible to wait when we have an urgent request that God is just not answering. God's timing often doesn't line up with our timing, but this verse is pretty clear.

If I remember anything from grammar class, this sentence is not a question. It's also not a suggestion. This verse is a command. "Wait for the Lord . . ."

There is good news, though. In the midst of our waiting, our hearts can take courage from the God of the Universe, our Provider, our Healer, our Counselor.