Faith - Advent Week 1

As we enter into the Christmas season I wanted to be more intentional with my time spent in God's Word. I looked around and came upon a 5 week Advent devotional from lifeway.com. It's a weekly devotional that focuses on one word or idea to reflect on for the week. As I finish each week I would like to share some of what I learned and some insight I gained while studying. My hope is that you too can take something away from it.

Week 1: Faith

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14

This week the writer explained how waiting and faith work together.

Nobody likes to wait. We live in a society that has instant access to almost anything. You can download movies and books with the click of a button, you can record shows on your T.V. and watch them whenever you want and not even have to wait through commercials, and at most restaurants you can call ahead to put your name on the waiting list before you even get there to decrease your wait time. Because of all this instant gratification we are all used to, I become impatient quite easily with any type of waiting. Waiting 5 minutes at the draw bridge downtown, waiting for someone to call back, and waiting on hold on the phone are a few that I am guilty of.

The same is usually the case when we are waiting on God's timing. His timing is usually not the same as ours. We become impatient. We try to do things our own way and it usually doesn't work. This is where faith steps in.

"Now without faith it is impossible it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who can seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Advent is a time of faith and waiting. If you have been waiting on something, be encouraged that God is faithful. Having faith means that you trust Him. Trust Him to keep His promises, even when they seem so far away. While we wait is a great time to grow in our faith in Him. The waiting prepares us in just the right way for whatever is to come. While we wait for our Savior let's try to embrace the place we are in and give praise for all He has already done.

"The story of Jesus' birth gives us assurance and joy because even though the waiting lingered for decades, God broke through at just the right time."

I'll close with this prayer from the devotional:

"Lord, I remember the years of waiting for a Messiah. I'm often impatient with my life. Please teach me to enjoy You and not just the blessings I see in Your hands. Fill my days with laughter and joy through the hardship and uncertainty. Remind me that when I think I'm waiting for an eternity, it really isn't. Life on this earth is infinitely smaller than a second in the light of true eternity." Amen