291. Wait and be renewed.

In the physical world, which is bound by time, waiting for someone or something can be very annoying but in the spirit world, which is not bound by time, waiting is the order of events! Every true servant of God had to wait for the "right time" and not for the "opportune time" because not all "opportune time" is the "right time". Jesus said to his skeptical brothers, "The 'right time' for me has not yet come; for you any time is right." - (John 7:) The devil is opportunistic (exploiting or taking immediate advantage, of opportunities regardless of planning or principles, for selfish benefit). For instance Scripture says 'when the devil had finished all his tempting, he left Jesus until an oppurtune time.' - (Luke 4:13) But God is planned and principled because he is unselfish and kind-hearted. 'He makes everything beautiful in its time' - (Ecclesiastes 3:11) because 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' - (Romans 8:28) Abraham had to wait for 25 years for the promised son! Meanwhile, he was renewed in his body and became the father of many nations. Joseph was 17 when he had a dream and had to wait till he was 30 to become the ruler of Egypt. Meanwhile, Joseph grew in stature and favour with God and man. David was below the military age of 20 when he was Anointed by Samuel and he had to wait till he was 30 to become the king. Meanwhile he became stronger and Saul became weaker. Jesus was born for a purpose but had to wait till he was 30 to announce his mission. Meanwhile, he 'became strong and was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him'.- (Luke 2:40) Waiting for the promise doesn't weaken us but strengthens us ! 'He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths may grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' - (Isaiah 40:29-31) The disciples were told to wait before they launched into the world! "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised ... You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses ..." - (Acts 1:4-8) "Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." - (Luke 24:49) The waiting, whether long or short, is a prerequisite ( a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen), because God is not hasty as he is not bound by time! He does things in the "fullness of time" and nothing that we do can shorten the process. 'When the "fullness of the time" had come, God sent forth His Son ... that we might receive the adoption as sons.' - (Galatians 4:4-5) The Bible reminds us that 'there is a time and a season for everything under heaven' - (Ecclesiastes 3:1) We are exhorted to wait for His time but meanwhile , he renews our strength! 'Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.' - ( Psalm 27:14) Amen.