In A Little While

My study in Haggai with Jennifer Rothschild has challenged my view of waiting on God. In his second sermon, Haggai is encouraging the people to be strong and work, knowing that God is with them. They are to finish rebuilding the temple even as they feel it in no way compares to the previous one that had been destroyed.

In verse 6 Haggai says,

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
Haggai 2:6-9 (NIV)

This is a powerful word of encouragement to the people. God will bring together and provide all the resources needed to complete the work- after all, the resources and power are His! He promises to fill this temple with his glory and assures the people that it will be a greater glory than the splendor of the previous temple. In this place, He will give them peace.

While this is good news, a challenge comes with these brief words- “In a little while,” and it’s one all of us understand. God’s provision and promise will come in a little while, thus- a season of in the meantime and waiting!

In times like this, I get frustrated because God’s timing is not like mine, and when I look back at PICs that I’ve been praying over specific situations, sometimes months and years  with no answer or fulfillment, I’m tempted to say-

I’ve prayed long;
I’m waiting patiently-
Expecting much,
But I’m getting tired . . .

God, It’s About Time . . . You worked this out for me!

Peter reminds me though of how different my view of time is compared to God’s-

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

What seems like a long time to me is but a moment for God. He is not slow to keep his promises but is patiently waiting to complete His work of salvation.

I realize it’s me instead who needs to do something. I must change my perspective and voice to God during these seasons of waiting and instead say-

You are faithful,
Your timing is perfect,
Your purpose is good,
And even when I can’t see You,

It’s about time I trust that You are working!

To help me along in this, I’m adding a new PIC to my folder for the places where I’m waiting and tempted to let fatigue, doubt, and frustration win the day, causing me to throw in the towel and quit-

I pray I’ll become quick to say along with the Psalmist-

But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands.”
Psalm 31:14-15a (NIV)