Today’s devotional is brought to us by Emily Bedwell. Emily loves, loves, LOVES books, which makes me 100% certain she is an awesome human being. She and I know each other through a writer’s group, and I’m excited to feature her voice today.
Waiting…waiting…I feel like 2016 has been nothing but a season of waiting for me. Waiting for the doctors to give test results. Waiting for sick family members to get better. Waiting for the phone call that means someone we love has passed away.
Waiting…it’s part of my every day experience. Today, I’m waiting for answers even though I don’t really know the questions.
As a country, we’re waiting to see what happens next with a new president and new leadership.
One friend is waiting for the pregnancy test to be positive.
What are you waiting for?
Let’s be honest. The waiting can be so, so hard. But in the midst of the waiting, God offers a promise.
In Isaiah 9:6 (NIV), the coming of Jesus is foretold in one of my absolute favorite pieces of scripture:
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.
In the middle of our waiting, a child is born. In the middle of our hectic lives, a son is given.
Sure, Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago, but who He is is still given to each of us every single day. A son given for our sin. A child born for our disobedience. It paints a beautiful picture, doesn’t it?
My favorite part of this verse is the second half. “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus comes into the world to love us, to change us, to prove that He is good above all, and, most importantly to my waiting heart – to give us peace.
Peace isn’t about the absence of trauma or fear or insecurity. Peace is about resting in who God says he is, even when the world feels like it’s falling apart. God is here. He is peace. His peace means that the waiting will be worth it in the end, even when it feels hard now.
I don’t know what’s going on in your heart this advent season. I don’t know what expectations you have on yourself, or on others. I don’t know how hard and long your wait has been, or how much longer you will be in this place.
But, I do know (and have to remind myself daily) that God is still good.
That the Prince of Peace is still on His throne.
The wait may be long, but it will be worth it.
Emily Bedwell is a writer, reader, communications manager and future librarian working at a large southern Indiana church. When she’s not at work or finishing up her MLS, she’s hanging out with friends, going on dates with her husband, and watching altogether too much BBC. Find her blog here or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Courtney Ellis 