By CBF field personnel Jenny Jenkins
“When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing.” — Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Waiting is not something easy in today’s world of “instant,” “fast,” “express.” We seem to have little time to wait for anything or anyone, even God. And yet, throughout scripture God says wait—wait on God and God’s timing. We see it in the stories of Abraham and Moses. None of us can imagine waiting 40 years for a vision from God to come to pass. We want it now! But in Scripture, time and time again, God tells us to wait.
One of the well-known theologians that God has used on my journey is Oswald Chambers. I have used his book, My Utmost for His Highest, daily for many years. I am always amazed at the new insights that I discover each time through. One theme seems to come up often and it’s the theme of waiting. Waiting on God. Waiting on GOD’S time. Not getting ahead of God. Not becoming an obstacle or hindrance to the providence of God.
In my journey in Haiti, I have entered a season of waiting. There has been so much civil
unrest and insecurity that many ministry activities have had to be put on hold due to
shortages and the danger. And I find myself crying out to God, “When? Your people are
hurting and struggling—when will You answer?” And the response comes back, “My
time is perfect, rest in it.”
Oswald Chambers wrote his missives over 100 years ago and amazingly, so much is still
very relevant in our time. So, during this time, seeking God, abiding in God, worshiping
and praying, and waiting for God’s timing becomes paramount. Being obedient and
being present, doing the little things God puts in front of us, serving and loving God’s
people, waiting on God’s plan and time.
PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER
Mark the beginning of the Advent season by making note of what you are waiting for, yearning for, or hoping for this December—both in your life and in the life of the world. Advent invites us into the paradox of the “already” and the “not yet”: to see God’s kingdom already blooming among us, and to hope and pray for what is not yet fully healed, transformed, made new. Consider the lives and prayers of CBF field personnel as you ponder: how do their longings for the communities in which they serve impact your own hopes and dreams?