06272026 Waiting

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God with impeccable timing. God is never too fast or too slow, never too early or too late, never rushed or frantic, never lethargically laid-back. He does everything at just the right time.

I recently read a verse that I know has impacted me before, but I hadn’t thought about it in quite a while, so when I read it again, it captured my attention.

The passage is talking about God’s protection and leading of the nation of Israel in the wilderness. As a manifestation of His presence with them, there was a pillar of fire (or perhaps a glowing cloud that looked similar to fire) that remained over the tabernacle at night. During the day a cloud remained over the tabernacle. (Numbers 9:15-16)

This cloud was more than just a reminder of God’s presence. It was a primary method that He guided them. When the cloud moved, the nation packed up and followed it. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. When it remained for a length of time, they rested. (Numbers 9:17-19,23)

The people never knew what the timing was going to be. Sometimes the cloud rested for a few days, so they rested for a few days. Sometimes the cloud lifted in the morning. Sometimes it lifted in the middle of the day, and sometimes in the middle of the night. They always had to be ready to move quickly whenever God indicated that. (Numbers 9:20-21)

The people also always had to be willing to rest – to wait – as long as God designed. “Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed” (Numbers 9:22)

Wow. That is so powerful as it applies to our practical life as believers! There are times that God asks us to wait for two days. There are times when He asks us to wait for a month. There are times that He asks us to wait for an entire year! (or even longer). We are poised and ready to move at a moment’s notice, maybe even anxiously straining at the bit. But He asks us to wait.

That waiting might be something personal, like health or finances or a relationship. It might have to do with family – children, grandchildren, parents. It might have to do with ministry – closed doors, lack of fruit, delayed opportunities. Whatever the situation, and whatever the amount of time, we can be confident that God will “move the cloud” at the precise time that He intends.

Until then, we can rest. Interesting word choice – “rest.” That is precisely the word God used in verse 18. As I understand it, “they rested in their tents” (v. 18,23) is the same Hebrew word as “pitched their tents” (v. 17) and “abode in their tents” (v. 20,22). It isn’t quite the idea of vacation or leisure that we might be hoping for; it is more the idea of a deliberate commitment. They took specific actions that helped them to settle in, but that settling in was always into temporary homes.

What a challenge – to be peacefully and deliberately “at home” as much as is possible, while knowing that the “home” is designed to be picked up and moved at God’s command – and in His timing. May God give you the grace and patience to do just that.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA