Since I work with children, it will come as no surprise that I enjoy children’s stories. Peter Pan is one of my favorites. At one point when Peter is worried about losing his relationship with Tinker Bell, she assures him that they can always be together by saying:

“You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you, Peter Pan. That’s where I’ll be waiting.”

The idea that someone is purposefully waiting for us is a very powerful thought. And it was particularly meaningful this past week as I considered the idea that the Lord Jesus waited for me.

When He was on earth, He clearly and repeatedly promised to return and gather His kids unto Himself. He could have returned during the Middle Ages, or right after Britain “ruled the waves” or once the allies defeated the forces of evil. But He waited.

He waited past 1949 when I was born. He waited past my childhood and turbulent teens. He waited until I came to a saving knowledge of Him through His word. He waited for me!

What was His motive? Well, I Tim 2:4 declares that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Recognizing that God is sovereign and can do whatever He wants; I am suggesting that it is His love that has delayed His return. He is still waiting.

Much like the father of the prodigal son, Christ stands on the proverbial hillside looking intently for the return of the prodigal. He “longs to be gracious to you…” (Isa. 30:18)

In the book of the Revelation, God makes sure that we know that the crowd standing around the throne of God will consist of people from every tribe, language, nation and people group (Rev. 7). He is waiting to gather to Himself representatives from every corner of the universe. He is still waiting. And we have a responsibility to share His story with others.

Perhaps this week you might be feeling a bit isolated or ignored. You might be wondering what part you play in the grand scheme of things. You may be losing a relationship that really matters to you. You may be feeling alone.

Can I please remind you (as I reminded myself), GOD WAITED! He waited for you. You matter. He could have returned at any time, but He waited. He wanted to make sure YOU were included in His family.

And He is still waiting, so let’s go tell somebody the good news!

By His Grace and for His Glory,
Sherry L. Worel