Don't Sway in the Delayಮಾದರಿ

When God Takes His Time

Simeon waited. And waited. And waited some more. Simeon waited for decades—some say as long as 40 years—showing up at the temple day after day, looking for the promised Messiah.

Forty years of wondering if today would be the day. Forty years of holding onto a promise when everyone probably thought he was crazy.

Yet when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon recognized Him immediately. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). His long wait was over.

What sustained Simeon through decades of delay? Three vital practices we need when God seems to be taking His sweet time.

First, trust God’s promises. Simeon anchored himself to what the Holy Spirit had revealed: he wouldn’t die before seeing the Messiah. When doubts came (and they surely did), he chose to trust God’s word over his feelings.

The Bible contains over 8,000 promises we can stand on! The question isn’t whether God will keep His promises, but whether we’ll keep trusting them when the wait gets long.

Yet trust alone wasn’t enough. Simeon also cultivated something we desperately need: a listening heart.

Second, listen to the Holy Spirit. Simeon stayed attuned to God’s voice. The Holy Spirit revealed the promise, sustained him in the waiting, and led him to the temple at exactly the right moment.

Jesus promised us this same Helper who “will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). In the waiting room of life, we must cultivate a listening heart through prayer, worship, and Scripture.

Third, embrace God’s timing. Notice Simeon didn’t wait with anxiety or bitterness. He waited with anticipation, showing up each day expecting this might be the day. He understood that God’s delays aren’t denials but preparation. His timing is perfect even when it doesn’t align with our calendar.

God isn’t slow about His promises (2 Peter 3:9). He’s patient for your sake, moving at the pace you can handle, preparing you for what’s coming. Trust Him today.

For six days we’ve explored what it means to not sway in the delay. Simeon shows us the secret: anchor yourself to God's promises, stay attuned to His voice, and embrace His timing. The waiting isn’t wasted when we take the opportunity to worship.

Pray

Lord, help me trust Your promises even when decades pass. Tune my heart to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. Give me grace to embrace Your perfect timing, knowing Your delays are preparing me for something greater. Amen.

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