This week has been one of the longest weeks of my life. I can't sit still. I check my phone every few minutes when I am away from home. I jump up at every sudden groan or minch of pain. I search for a solid night of sleep yet, it eludes me. The day of great expectation awaits....yes...the arrival of my first grandchild. She was scheduled to arrive last Wednesday but apparently someone forgot to tell her that. She even tricked us once last week. My son called and said it was time, could I grab that bag that was nicely packed and awaiting such a day as this. As I ran into the room where the bag was kept I paused briefly to touch the bassinet that is all ready for her to sleep in. I glanced over at the tiny dresses that hung on the hangers, washed and waiting for her to try on. The excitement overwelmed me and a tear ran down my cheek. Tonight I will finally meet her face to face.
We rushed to my daughter-in-laws bedside, being sure to take lots of pictures of the crib that was staged just for her arrival. As each contraction came quicker and more intense we waited with great expectation for what was to come. Hours passed and finally a doctor walked into the room to inform us that it was only false labor and they were sending her back home. The disappointment enveloped us like a wet blanket as I faithfully gathered up the bag and headed home. I dropped the bag back into the room and glanced over at the bassinet one more time. I let out a sigh of longing and headed to bed for the night. Like a child on Christmas Eve, I slept.
Now a week later the anticipation is uncontainable. We all know it is coming... it can't be stopped...it will happen eventually...but when? Isn't it amazing that you could love somebody so much that you have never met and at the same time it feels like you have been waiting for and loving them your entire life?
In this waiting I feel the conviction of the Spirit. (Romans 8:19-25) I love Jesus with all of my heart and soul but I have gotten to a place in my life that no longer seeks Him with "great expectation". I don't sense the joy I once had at awaiting His arrival. I may have even unpacked my bag. The worries and frustrations in this world weigh me down and what may have started as contractions could have very easily been false labor.
I was once so sure of what God wanted for my life. I was eager when at the time of conception. I was excited as I grew in the ability to carry out this plan. I have even felt peace during times of great labor pains, knowing that it would one day produce great joy. As time passed I had begun to forget that purpose, the plan that had left me pregnant with possibility. Through it all I had forgotten the bigger purpose, the one that would produce the greatest joy.
I thank God that through this He has reminded me of Who He Is and Who I am in Him.
Tonight I want to encourage any of you who are waiting on a promise...Do not lose heart. Remember that just like pregnancy it is coming, it can't be stopped, eventually it will arrive. Regardless, of what promises we feel we miss out on in this world know that an even greater expectation awaits...we must be ready for it to arrive. We need to pack our bags, get the house in order, wait with eager expectation! For He is coming, He can't be stopped. He wants to meet you face to face. He has loved you for and with His whole life. He has prepared a place just for you. Clean clothes are hung waiting for you to try on. He longs to hold you the one He loved long before you were even born.
Your Father loves you and knows everything that you are in need, He has not forgotten or given up on you....wait with eager expectation, endure the pain of the labor for Joy comes in the morning.
