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We all have things in life that require us to wait. Maybe you are waiting for something positive, like looking forward to catching up with a friend you have not spoken with in some time, going away on a family vacation, or the enjoyment of having a day off. Perhaps you are anticipating something more negative, such as the results from a lab test, an upcoming surgery/procedure for yourself or a loved one, or interacting with someone you find difficult to engage with. There can be many thoughts and emotions (good and sinful) connected to that future event, but also during the days leading up to that point.  

In Genesis 8, we observe Noah waiting 150 days for the flood to cease and the water to dissipate (Genesis 8:3). The beginning of the chapter reminds us of God’s continued faithfulness through his control of the water (8:1b-2) and the ark landing on the mountains of Ararat (8:4)—near the future land of Israel, an important location in the Old Testament. We also see Noah doing due diligence in the midst of waiting, first through sending out the raven and then through the dove.  

What can this passage teach us about our own times of waiting? First, we can trust that God remembers us. In the days, weeks, or months leading up to a hard circumstance, I can very easily begin to question if God really cares; however, I and all believers can take comfort in knowing that God has not and will not abandon them.  

Secondly, a time of waiting does not give us an excuse to stand idly by and do nothing. I can see the temptation to remain idle in my life in both positive and negative situations: When there is something good to look forward to, my temptation is to put my focus entirely on that good event and ignore the daily Christian walk of obedience and faithfulness to God and my local church. When I wait for something that is going to be difficult, I can be tempted to fall into despondency and inactivity; I believe the hardships connected to waiting give me a pass on my responsibilities as a believer.  

Finally, remember that delayed deliverance does not equal no deliverance. Especially in difficult circumstances, we can quickly cry out to God to end our suffering right away; however, God can choose to bring deliverance from suffering in a different way than we want Him to. Rather than looking to our circumstances changing, we must instead trust in the faithfulness and truthfulness of God’s word.  

May we all continue to remain faithful to God in times of waiting—more significantly as God’s children, as we wait for Christ’s second coming!