The Prism of waiting
Elder Robert Ross
The word prism is often associated with geometry, and defined as, a transparent solid body, often having triangular bases, used for dispersing light into a spectrum, or for reflecting rays of light. However, there is another use of the word which is used in reference to clarification, or distortion to a particular viewpoint.
For example, does our cultures view of waiting parallels with Gods view? How does our culture today view waiting, and why is waiting so difficult? It is hard to imagine waiting as productive. The idea of waiting is exhausting, and counterintuitive to our idea of success, as well as our ability to succeed. Waiting can become psychologically demoralizing, therefore is the frustration of waiting tied to giving up control? Finally, has waiting become abnormal, and obsolete?
There has been a pyridine shift from waiting. We do not want to wait in line anymore. We do not wait to cook our food, we microwave it, or contact Grub-hub. We don’t want to wait in line at the bank, when there is the ATM, and Cash app. We no longer wait to shop when Amazon can deliver your purchase the next day. Furthermore, we don’t want to wait for the job interview, and we don’t want to wait for the promotion when we get the job. One would think that waiting is certainly obsolete!
If waiting is emotionally, and psychologically demoralizing, why does God require us to wait? Could it be that waiting develops spiritual discipline. Waiting reminds us of our dependence on God. And with the help of the Holy Spirit our purpose, and priorities become clear. The Holy Spirit reveals to us, there is a lack of something. This lack allows us to develop our character, and perseverance in our pursuit of waiting.
It was not that long ago when the old mothers, and deacons of the church would remind us of the scriptures on tarrying. Habakkuk 2:3… For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry. The Old Testament prophet, in the book of Isaiah 6:1… talks about the appointed time, when he said…I saw the Lord, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. This was approximately 700 years prior to the resurrection of Christ. They had to wait.
The bible tells us in Acts 1:3, Christ waited 40 days, and made 10 appearances before His ascending to heaven. Christ had to wait for the appointed time, and the disciples had to wait for the resurrection. In the book of John, chapter 11, the word of God tells us Mary wiped Jesus’ feet with precious ointments, and when Jesus was told her brother Lazarus, was sick. He told His disciples, let’s go to Judaea! Therefore, Jesus arrived at Martha house 4 days later. Mary, and Martha had to wait. Lazarus had to wait on Jesus to raise him from the dead, and Jesus had to wait on Judas to send Him to the grave. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk says the vision is for an appointed time therefore wait for it. The vision of God was to raise Lazarus, but the appointed time was four days later. Do not miss your miracle because of impatience. We must learn how manage our anxiety and trust the timing of God, James 1:4…and let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect, and complete, lacking nothing. The timing of God is perfect, and the blessings of God are complete.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my brother in the Lord, Elder Robert Ross for sharing this revelation that he received from God on waiting. May it be a blessing to all who read it.
Continuing in His service…Rev
