What Does it Look Like to Wait?

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13)

As I continued to chew on what my life should look as I 'wait' my quiet time today took me to 2 Chronicles 14:1-5:

"Asa did what the Lord his God desired and approved. He removed the pagan altars and the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He ordered Judah to seek the Lord God of their ancestors and to observe his law and commands. He removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. The kingdom had rest under his rule."

This made me wonder what pagan altars, pillars, and poles I might have in my life that need to be cut down. If I am eagerly waiting for my Lord's return then I think it would be a bad scene if I have any evidence of an idol in my life.

The thought comes to mind of what would happen if my wife came home and found evidence of another woman in my life. It's probably the same story with many men like me, I have little fear of divorce. But I am terrified of being tortured and murdered. And, yes, my wife would be capable.

So, here are a couple of the pillars I need to deal with. My education, training and experience are pretty good. But I still need to trust in the Lord make me a better pastor.

My ability to make money, budget. But I need trust God for my future. Now, saving money does not mean I'm not trusting God. In fact, saving and trusting go hand in hand as I work toward what I believe God has laid on me for my retirement years. It doesn't mean I quit working and doing ministry. It just means, if I work and am sacrificial now, I can continue to serve without having to draw a salary from a church. Still, my trust lies in God. He could take it all away tomorrow.

It's really a good thing I can't rely on my handsome good looks to open doors. Not really a pillar I struggle with. Come to think of it, I can't think of any doors my face has opened, on purpose anyway.

Waiting means obeying. Trusting in God alone for everything. I don't need to do any more than I'm already doing IF I'm already doing everything God has called me to do.

Time for an inventory. Tear down the pillars I find. Build up the plans that Lord has for me.

What does waiting look like for you?