“By faith we see the hand of God…A place where peace and justice reign.
We will stand as children of the promise;
We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul’s reward.
Till the race is finished and the work is done,
We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.”
“Comfort, comfort My people, says your God…A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:1,3).
As we evaluate where we are at the beginning of a new year, attitude adjustments and course corrections may be necessary. I’ve become aware that waiting is personally wearing me down. Seeking the Lord for things according to His own desires are still awaiting fulfillment. Others are involved, and I have no power over them.
What seems urgent to me requires patient, persistent trust. Sustained belief in One greater than myself can feel like work. To not demand, but ask for grace, is a delicate balance. It’s a growing discipline of knowing where to look and what to receive. My expectations aren’t the point.
Ezekiel knew about this dilemma. He lived in captivity as a man of faith. When you read his story, one theme comes into focus. He served his “sovereign Lord.” Though living in exile with God’s people, God showed him an amazing sight: “While I was by the river Chebar…the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God” (Ezekiel 1:1).
As a storm was approaching, a great cloud with fire flashing revealed an image of glowing metal. Within it were four spectacular living beings. Not only that, above this was something else. What he heard and saw next was nothing short of the glory of God. And then, Ezekiel was summoned with these words, “Son of man, stand on your feet (because he had fallen on his face in worship) that I may speak with you!”
Ezekiel’s dramatic commission was administered by the Spirit of God. It’s no wonder he understood the meaning of a “sovereign Lord,” and mentions this over two hundred times in nearly fifty chapters of Ezekiel. He knew God’s plan was unfolding (despite the evidence he saw around him) and couldn’t fail.
For me, in the midst of waiting, I need to “prepare the way,” not interfere with or obstruct it. My not yet, is not the problem. This battle is not mine to claim. My sovereign Lord has His own miraculous ways that would confound reason. My response is what He’s after. He and I must be in sync. This test is for me, too, and His Spirit will lead ‘til the work is done.