"...what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him"
(Isa. 64:4).
I suppose most people find it difficult to wait. The grace of patience is not common. "In a little room sat two children, each one in his own chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented, but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent of Passion? The Interpreter answered, The Governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of next year, but he will have all now. But Patience is willing to wait." Milton was of the same mind as Bunyan, when of the angels he said, "They also serve who only stand and wait." Such waiting does not imply indolence or indifference, but is an evidence of spiritual faith and confidence, of true insight, and forsight, and of self-discipline also. While in this worthy way we are passive, our God is active. He works for those who wait for Him. There are some things which He can do for us only as we wait. Blessed passivity, which calls forth such activity! Of course, it is also true that in other things God will wait while we work. He will not do for us what He has bidden us do for ourselves, even as we cannot do for ourselves what He has undertaken to do for us. Thus we become "workers together with God." Are you waiting at His bidding? "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you; fear not, nor be dismayed."
