15 December 2008

The Waiting

When we read the Bible we often plow through from one passage to the next like any other book. What is hard to grasp is the time lapse between events.

We jump from the Ascension to Pentecost in a matter of minutes, forgetting that there was a lapse of 9 days. What happened during that time? They waited.

We read of the Anunciation when the archangel told Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit. After a brief stop at Elizabeth's house we read ahead and Christ is born. This also takes a few minutes for us to travel. We forget that nine months pass (at least in the Catholic Church the feast days remind us of the time lapse). What did Mary do during that time? She waited and prepared.

It's hard to realize that St. Paul spent years in various towns. They weren't weekend crusades or week long camp meetings. It took time to establish a church.

Why should our lives be any different? How often we expect God's work in our lives to be instant. When the Holy Spirit plants an idea about His direction for our lives we must be patient until it blooms.

"And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

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