Strong spirits: wait a minute

Here in northern Illinois, we are all waiting for spring. It seems to be taking its sweet time getting here! Oh, we get teased by the occasional warm day, and then it is back to chilly. Brrr!

I love the warmth. I am eager for it, and most of us are. AND I realize that waiting for something can be a great spiritual discipline. Throughout scripture, God calls on his people to be patient, to wait, to trust, to persevere.

The list of folks who were called on to wait for things far more significant than the coming of spring is long: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Elizabeth, Hannah, David, Jesus... the list goes on.

"Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord. King David (Psalm 27:14)

Grumbling is never good. It tells God we don't think he's taking care of us very well. Maybe we could use the wait for spring to teach us to be grateful for the good we already have.

Soon it will be hot. In the meantime, let's wait gratefully.

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

A message from July 25, 2021:

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