I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

I walked into an early morning prayer meeting the other day to meet with some men from our church. I discovered 4 of my friends pacing and crying out to God, reading scriptures and declaring His faithfulness while one of my friends was alone, sitting very quietly in the front row of the sanctuary. I noticed him very somber and deep in meditation. As the meeting went on, I felt compelled to go over and pray for him. I could sense that this man was in need of clarity and direction from the Lord. I began to realize he was “waiting” on the Lord. I wished so bad that I could tell this man the answer to whatever it was that he was in need of, but these words came to me gently but loudly: “It’s just a matter of time!”

I left the meeting with a peace for my friend but also with a revelation for myself. Sometimes, it’s the “waiting” that is more beneficial to us than the answer itself. Why? Because it’s in the “waiting” that we can really develop the trust in God that we need to have on a daily basis. It’s the “waiting” that builds perseverance and character in us that other wise we may not have. It’s the “waiting” that helps us to build the eagle-like strength that helps us lock our wings and soar over the clouds of doubt and fear. It’s no coincidence that David encourages us twice in the same verse (Psalm 27:14) to “wait for the Lord”!

Whatever your need is today, God has the answer. However, don’t try and skip the “waiting” part. It might be exactly what you need. It may be the very thing that gets you over the hump and keeps you from stumbling in the future. Remember that even when it might seem to be the darkest of situations, the dawn “always” comes after the night. Hold on! You will see the goodness of the Lord today. He will be faithful to complete the good work he began in you. Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning! Be encouraged, “It’s just a matter of time”!

Peace,

Joe