The Wait Is Worth It
Luke 2:25-32 tells the story of Simeon, a man who had received a promise from God that he would see the Messiah before he passed away. Simeon lived his whole life waiting for God to fulfill this promise, and he can teach us something about patience and perseverance. Scripture says Simeon was “righteous and devout . . . and the Holy Spirit was on him.” So much so, that he was moved by the Spirit to visit the temple courts, and it was in the temple courts where God’s promise came to fruition. He met Mary and Joseph and held Jesus in His arms. In that moment, waiting a lifetime for God’s promise was worth it.
Imagine the overwhelming experience of holding the physical representation of God’s faithfulness in your arms. Luke recorded that Simeon took Jesus in his arms “and praised God.” We don’t know if Simeon cried or danced, but if you put yourself in his shoes, your response would probably be like his. No other reaction would be as appropriate as praise!
Don’t lose heart if you’ve been holding on to a promise from God for what seems like forever. He is faithful, and His timing is perfect. Whether your promise is fulfilled in a matter of weeks or after a lifetime of trust, the outcome is worth the wait.
Prayer: Father, I praise You because You are faithful! I know that You are trustworthy and Your promises to me are true. I will not give up believing in Your promises, and I wait in anticipation for the day I see them fulfilled. I know Your timing is perfect. I will remain faithful to You as I wait, and I praise You in advance for the fulfillment of Your promises!
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
Luke 2:25-32 CSB
Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples —
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.
Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 CSB