The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Tom Petty wasn’t kidding. He sang the song, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part.” From waiting rooms, to call backs. Traffic jams, to being a kid on Christmas Eve. Waiting is hard. But, worth it.

As we approach Christmas, I can’t help but think of the story in Luke chapter 2 about somebody who knew quite a bit about waiting. His name was Simeon.

The Bible tells us, “Simeon was a righteous and devout man.” He was told by the Holy Spirit, “He would not die before he had seen the Messiah.” That’s a pretty spectacular promise. But, I have to wonder if he ever thought if it would actually happen.

Think about it. Everyday he probably wondered, “will today be the day?” And then at night he probably wondered, “Well, I wonder if tomorrow is the day?” Day-and-night. Months. Years. All he could do was hold on to a promise. And then it happened.

“Moved by the spirit he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign Lord as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations. A light for revelation to the gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”

Simeon waited. Then, after all of those days, those months, those years, it happened. In walked the Mother, the Father and the child. Imagine that exchange when he finally took the baby in his arms. He held the Savior of the world. Just as he was promised. Wow. Just wow!

I bet there were days in which Simeon wondered, “Will this really happen? Will this, “waiting” really be worth it?” Oh…it was worth it. And the story of his waiting is part of the greatest story ever told.

What are YOU waiting for? Are YOU in the “waiting room” of life? Waiting for test results? Waiting for a call? Waiting for a promise to be fulfilled? Wait. It will be worth it.

Wait with anticipation. Go make a difference. And always Run By Faith.