For most of us, the act of waiting can be anything from inconvenient, to boring, to frustrating, to exasperating. Certainly, our waiting holds the potential and possibility to humble us, transform us, and sharpen our desire for what we most long for. Perhaps we find yourselves in a season of ordinary time, like Abraham, where all we can do in the waiting is to pay attention, watch for God to show up and enjoy the company of those we are with. There is a possibility in the waiting that we might discover God there, waiting for us.
Genesis 18:1-10a (NLT)
The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. 2 He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.
3 “My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. 4 Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. 5 And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.”
“All right,” they said. “Do as you have said.”
6 So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, “Hurry! Get three large measures of your best flour, knead it into dough, and bake some bread.” 7 Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it. 8 When the food was ready, Abraham took some yogurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in the shade of the trees.
9 “Where is Sarah, your wife?” the visitors asked.
“She’s inside the tent,” Abraham replied.
10 Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!”
For Reflection and Prayer:
If something captured your attention – a word, a phrase, an image – let this simmer in you and allow the Spirit to expand its meaning for you. Journal what you hear and your response.
Reflect on your longings and waiting for new life. What has that been like for you? What feelings rise up within you in the longing and waiting? Write about these experiences and feelings and talk it over in prayer with God.
Quietly rest with God and any consoling words or images given to you in this time of prayer.
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