Waiting in the Silence

Have you been longing for something for a long time? A broken relationship to be restored, a baby, a marriage, a prodigal to return, healing for your body, soul, and spirit, but nothing is happening? Maybe you have lost hope, and you feel that your prayers have gone unanswered time and time again. Maybe you find yourself asking, "God, are you even really there?" "Don't you hear me?" I imagine the Israelites lost hope when they heard nothing from God for 400 years. No words recorded of the Lord speaking or doing anything. The world around them was growing darker and darker, and they were becoming more weary and more oppressed by their enemy. But then, one miraculous moment came when a young girl heard from an angel that she would deliver the Son of God, Immanuel.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " (v.7) Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:6-7, ESV).

Isaiah prophesied the birth of our Savior hundreds of years before it would occur. More waiting. But God is not silent. He was working in the background the whole time lining everything up for the coming Messiah. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law" (Galatians 4:4). Our waiting is God's perfect timing, and he keeps his promises.

God's Son came into the world at the perfect time to redeem his people back to God from the sin that separated us. He is our Everlasting Father, who cares for us and wants to be with his creation. God with us. The Prince of Peace was born to bring peace to those he was pleased with. Isaiah was announcing the coming of the suffering servant, but also the King who would die and be raised again for our salvation, so long as we receive him. Isaiah's announcement also included that our King would be coming back, so here we are now waiting for the return of Jesus. Living in darkness, but this time with hope that he came the first time as the scriptures said, and he will come again. Jesus will reign on David's throne during the Millennium, and the government will be perfectly ruled by our Mighty God with justice and righteousness. We are still waiting on that promise to be fulfilled.

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon' Amen. Come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

Sometimes, in my suffering or observing others suffering, these are the only words I can get out of my mouth. The time is near for all to be restored, and the redeemed will rule and reign with Christ forever. Jesus told John on the island of Patmos that He is coming, and his followers agreed, saying, "Come." There will be a day when the curse will be gone, and there will be no more death. We will see Jesus face to face, and all the groanings of this earth will fade away, and we will be in the midst of the throne of God and the Lamb.

As you wait this Christmas season, in your suffering and longing for the things you have been desperately praying for, look up, keep the hope. Jesus is coming soon, my friend, and it will be a glorious day! Amen!

Christian Digital Painting, Isaiah 9:6, A Child is Born

$14.99

Buy Now