When We Wait

We are impatient people. We like to get what we want when we want it. Waiting seems to be something to get "over with." But God is teaching me that there is more. There is much to gain when we wait.

Those in Makindu waited for the Bible Center to get finished. But delays increase appreciation. "Makindu congregation is so grateful to have a place of shelter as they worship and study the word of God," brother Lawrence reports.

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More waiting is needed for windows, doors, and toilets. More waiting before the dream of a trade school can become reality. But the Master of the work is worth waiting on. "The costs are too much for us," the brother says, "but what is impossible for the Lord? What He has done for us so far was unimaginable when we came here. Praise the Lord."

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They waited on Him for rain... for crops to grow.

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Now they wait for the harvest of maize in another month. Expectation grows as they wait. Photo: An elderly sister with several of the orphans in their care.

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They waited for food to be stocked in the stores again - for enough money to buy some. Even these most basic necessities become precious as we wait. When we don't lack, we don't know realize the greatness of our blessings. "Meals after service in this time of famine are a great help to the congregation. We are so grateful to God for food is now available locally at a cheaper rate, as some is now being harvested."

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Yes, God has designed waiting. He has more in the mind than the end result. Delays change our perspective. Our desire may diminish - or increase. Intervening events affect us. We are tested and proved. Where are we turning for answers, for fulfillment? On whom are we waiting?

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5

Do I value what God is able to accomplish - enough to wait on Him?

A Time to Root

This season of "Thanksgiving" is a time to appreciate the abundance in our lives. Not just the plentiful food, but the comforts of home and the love of family and friends. These blessings don't just happen, do they? Many are suffering from the lack of them in very real ways. All around me I see people living in starvation in the midst of a land of plenty. Why?

It is a question worth digging into. Like in many other problems of life, the answers are buried for us to search out.

Take a look at the situation in Makindu for instance. As I marvel at the flourishing landscape, so transformed by the recent rains, it is hard to image that the famine conditions are becoming more severe.

"This is an expansive plain with an underground river that is used for animals in the dry weather," Lawrence explains. "Cows, goats and sheep graze here freely, with each person caring for his own. There is plenty of fodder coming up in the rainy weather. See how green the shrubs have become already? If the rains continue the bushes will grow higher and become more succulent."

"Goats are the main source of income for the average person here. Adult goats sell in the market for about 3000 Kenya shillings (around US $ 40)."

Grazing livestock on green pastures. Is there anything more beautiful or inspiring? This picture of abundance, like so much that is good in life, isn't mere chance. It is made possible by the unseen millions of rootlets that have thrust deep into the soil to drink. What difference would the rain make if there were no roots to claim it? It is also the result of investment and sacrifice. Please pray for the families in this area that are seeking the Lord for the means to become more self-supporting.



Here are the new maize crops after the first weeks of rain. But now the land is drying up again. The precious seed was planted and the water brought it to life, but unless it roots deep what hope does it have? Like the seed sown in the rocky ground, will it be scorched in the Kenya heat and wither away for lack of being established? "Please, pray that God returns the rains back and gives us enough. Otherwise the famine in the area will be long and painful."



I can't but think human souls are in the same condition. Unless we take hold of the water of life that God has sent our way, and root down deep, today's successes don't have much meaning. We may endure for awhile, but in time of trouble and persecution because of truth we will become offended and wither away. (Matthew 13:21) It is easy to grow when the "going is good," but the farmer knows his crop isn't established until it can stand in the heat and hold up in the wind. Now is the time to root down, so let us be praying both for ourselves and the many seekers out there.

Consider the Lord's intentions: "For as the rain comes down... and waters the earth, and makes it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater: so shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth... it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11) Do we believe that Word and let it bring life eternal to us? Here is the secret of flourishing, for what we receive at the root-level will be produced in our lives.