“Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question”

"When you approach the tabernacle remember that he has been waiting for you for twenty centuries." - St. Josemaria Escriva

Scripture Text: (IS 29:17-24)
Thus says the Lord GOD:
But a very little while,
and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more
and the arrogant will have gone;
All who are alert to do evil will be cut off,
those whose mere word condemns a man,
Who ensnare his defender at the gate,
and leave the just man with an empty claim.
Therefore thus says the LORD,
the God of the house of Jacob,
who redeemed Abraham:
Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of,
nor shall his face grow pale.
When his children see
the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall keep my name holy;
they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob,
and be in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,
and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

When Jesus came at the first Christmas, many had been waiting their entire lives for the Messiah, but still didn't recognize Him when He came. It was as though they were blind to what God was doing. On one hand, they were waiting for God to fulfill His promises; on the other hand, they weren't confident that God would fulfill His promises anytime soon (see Mt 9:28).

In some areas of our lives, we've also been waiting a long time for God to act. It may be for the conversion of a loved one, the overturning of a particular injustice, or the renewal of our country. We must never forget, God is always active, but we may be blind to it. Are we losing confidence in God because we don't see any sign of His action in these areas? The Lord promises fulfillment, saying, "Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see" what He is doing (Is 29:18).

Advent is a time when we prepare to meet Jesus at His Christmas coming. Jesus came to fulfill all His promises (Mt 5:17). He asks you: "Are you confident I can do this?" (Mt 9:28) "Wait for the Lord with courage" (Ps 27:14) and unwavering faith. Be confident and "ready to greet Him when He comes."