Just a little longer…
When Noah and his family saw the first sign of dry land (the “tops of mountains” in Genesis 8:5 NIV), you know they must have wanted to jump out of the arc immediately! They had already been inside that boat for many months, waiting on the promises of God. Those mountain tops represented the beginning of the fulfillment of those promises, but there was still more waiting involved before it was safe to leave the boat. It was a soon-but-not-yet situation.
Can you imagine how hard that must have been?
And don’t you sometimes feel like this? Don’t you want to jump out of the boat immediately when you see the first glimmer of something you’ve been contending for?
I know I do. I’ve been waiting on some things God has promised and am starting to see glimmers of them. I’m getting a bit impatient, honestly. But I know God will tell me when it’s time to step out, just like he told Noah to “come out of the ark” (Genesis 8:16 NIV) at the appointed time.
Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark…” Genesis 8:15-16 (NIV)
I suppose Noah could have left the arc on his own timetable instead of the Lord’s. But the conditions would have been much harsher. The struggle would have been much greater. Things would not have gone the way God ordained because the timing was off. And so it goes for us.
Friends, let’s keep contending, keep trusting, and keep listening for our precious Heavenly Father to guide us in His timing for all things.
I’ll pray for you and you pray for me. Okay?
Reflection Questions:
Are you currently in a soon-but-not-yet situation in your own life? If so, I encourage you to hang on, friend, and to find people who will pray for you in the waiting. (I’ll pray for you! Feel free to message me on any of my channels.)
We have a choice: we can make the time between the first glimmer of the promise and the fulfillment of the promise either a time of impatient frustration or a time of diligent preparation. What are some ways you can prepare your heart, your habits, and your giftings while you wait for dry land to come?
Prayer:
Lord, we trust Your perfect timing, but we still struggle with impatience, and sometimes even doubt. Fill us daily with Your peace and Your perspective, so that we will hold on to Your promises and be ready when You call. In Jesus’ name, amen.