October 19, 2023

Paulina De La Fuente
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?’”
Genesis 50:19
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 30:18

Waiting has to be one of the most challenging and yet growing practices in our faith. Reading the truths in Isaiah 30:18 reminds me of the reason we are to wait on God in any of our circumstances.

It’s so easy to be more concerned with bringing about our own justice than leaving space for the God of justice to act in His ways and timing. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

We can see this lived out so clearly in Joseph’s story as he is comforting his brothers and refusing to put himself in God’s place. Not only are we called to wait for God, but we are reminded that God Himself shows us the extent of His love and patience towards us in waiting for us to turn to Him so that He can show us His mercy. God’s mercy is shown evidently in Joseph’s brothers’ story as they received blessing instead of deserved vengeance.

It’s so convicting and humbling to try and imitate God’s heart towards others instead of demanding justice quickly in our own ways. Help us trust You more, Lord. Give us eyes to see Your purposes and the ability to wait on Your timing.