Waiting can be difficult. In fact it’s hard to be good at waiting for anything. We want what we want and we want it fast. And if we don’t get it fast enough, we begin to become impatient and complain.
How do we learn to wait patiently? What attitude should we have when it comes to waiting?
Today’s scripture: Luke 2:22-35.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
Luke 2:25-29
Learn to
wait with faithfulness. Mary and Joseph had been through a tremendous ordeal the past 10 months. But they remained faithful as the waited for all of God’s promises to pass. They continued to follow God’s law and put their trust in Him.
Jesus would later go on to speak a lot on this subject. He would share many parables about waiting with faithfulness. The parable about the 10 virgins, the parable about the bags of gold, the parable about the servants waiting for the master to return home, all taught the same principle. Wait with faithfulness.
We also need to
wait with expectancy. When God promises something we can count on it happening exactly the way God says it will happen and in the timing that God says it will happen.
He made a promise to Simeon. He is waiting and hoping that today will be the day. How many days did he wait? We don't know the text doesn't tell us. But the day finally comes, the holy spirit tells him go to the temple. And sure enough he see Jesus. He is thrilled and happy, but not surprised. Because he was expecting it.
You can plan your steps with expectancy because God is always faithful to do what he has said.
Finally we need to
wait with assurance. When this promise is fulfilled Simeon gives all the credit to God and praises Him for providing what he promised.
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
Luke 2:29-31
God’s words has many promises in it.
God promises salvation (Romans 8:1)
God promises He is with us and will never leave us (Matthew 28:20 & Hebrews 13:5)
God promises He hears us (1 John 5:14)
God promises He will provide (Matthew 7:9-11)
God promises He will return and rule as a conquering king (Revelation 19:15-16)
If you are in a season of waiting during this time these are all promises you can focus on as you learn to wait with faithfulness, wait with expectancy, and wait with assurance.
Jesus is with you while you wait. 
