I Know God's Promise...But

In Luke 8 and Mark 4, we see Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to hop in the boat and head over to the other side of the lake. While they were all on the boat a great storm came. They were being tossed to and fro and Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him up and said, “Don’t you care if we drown?!?” Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and told them to be still. Then He said to His disciples “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

In Genesis 15 we see that God promised Abraham an heir – a son of his own flesh and blood. He also promised that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. Over time, when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, had still not had any children, Abraham and Sarah decided to go a different route and use Hagar as a surrogate. Hagar bore Abraham a son and he was named Ishmael. In chapter 17 we see the Lord reiterating that Abraham would be father to many nations and that Sarah would bear him a son. Abraham scoffed because he and Sarah were close to 100 years old, He asked if He could just bless Ishmael. God said yes but that he was not the promised child and that Isaac was on the way.

In Matthew 11 and Luke 7 we read of John, Jesus’ cousin, sitting in jail awaiting execution. John, who, before he was born, leapt in his mother’s womb when a pregnant Mary came to visit...John who baptized believers…John who worshipped the Lord and said he was not worthy to even untie his sandals…John who declared Jesus to be the son of God, John, the messenger foretold in scripture. This John was now in jail and sent word to Jesus asking “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

In Matthew 2 we see that the Magi saw the star and knew that the “king of the Jews” had been born. They wanted to worship him. King Herod sent them to Bethlehem to worship Him and told them to come back and report to him so that he may worship Him.  (side note: Herod did not want to be dethroned nor worship this new “king of the Jews”) Scholars speculate that by the time the Magi reached Jesus, he would have been between 6 months and 2 years old.

In all four gospels, we see that Jesus is recognized as the Savior; the Son of God. Then we see Him crucified. The disciples didn’t understand what was going on. (see John 13)Was Jesus the Savior or not?

In all of these instances there is a waiting period. A promise….but then the passage of time.

The disciples were told that they were going over to the other side but their faith waivered when the storm came. Abraham and Sarah were told that they would have a son but their faith waivered as they watched the clock ticking. John knew Jesus was the promised Savior – Jesus said John was a great prophet – but in this time of distress, when the expected deliverance did not come, even John had questions. The Magi knew the King had been born, they pursued him, and as much as two years later, they were finally able to worship Him. Christ’s disciples walked with Him for three years. They knew who He was but it didn’t make sense when He was crucified.

In our humanity, it can sometimes be perplexing to see what God does…what He allows…His methods. His ways are certainly not our ways nor are His thoughts the same as ours. We are prone to distrust, to take matters into our own hands, to wonder why the Lord does not do what we think is quite reasonable or logical. Thankfully the Lord understands that we are fragile and He is compassionate toward us.

The Magi give us a great example. They persist. They see the star and pursue God for up to two years. Many of you have the Magi beat – you have been pursuing God regarding a particular matter for much longer than two years. Praying for a loved one’s salvation. Praying for healing. Praying for employment. Praying for a home. Praying for the will of God to be done in your life. You’ve been faithful even when the storms arose. Even when it was illogical. Even when God did not come through as you’d expected. You were faithful. Like Job, you’ve declared “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

God bless you as you faithfully persist in His promises. Your trust in Him pleases Him and is a beautiful example to all who are watching your life journey. Blessings to you dear one. You are not alone.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)