What Are You Waiting For?

Below is my writing contribution to the December 7 devotion of 20 Days of Christmas. 

What are you waiting for?

In the season of Advent, we await the birth of Jesus, or rather we await the remembrance of Jesus’ birth.

Why wait? Why not skip Advent and jump right to Christmas? What’s the point in waiting?

Waiting makes the heart grow fonder.

Waiting prepares us for what we hope for.

Waiting forces us to examine ourselves (our motives, our wants, our desires).

Waiting grows our patience.

Waiting builds our trust in God.

(What else would you add?)

What does the Bible say on waiting?

• "As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me."  Micah 7:7 (NLT)

• "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31(ESV)

• "I truly believe I will live to see the Lord’s goodness. Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help." Psalm 27:13-14 (NCV)

• "Meanwhile, the Eternal One yearns to give you grace and boundless compassion; that’s why He waits. For the Eternal is a God of justice. Those inclined toward Him, waiting for His help, will find happiness." Isaiah 30:18 (VOICE)

• "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

What are you waiting for?

How does waiting grow your heart for Jesus?

Beyond Advent, as we await Jesus’ 2^nd coming, how does waiting prepare how you live your life for Him every day?

How does waiting on Jesus force you to examine yourself?

How does waiting grow your patience?

How does waiting build your trust in God?

Which of your responses reveal where you have the most room to grow in the area of waiting? In what ways do you believe God is growing you spiritually through this waiting period? Discuss these questions with a friend. Pray for one another as you both wait on Jesus.