I am not a fan of anticipation.
When we know that something is on the way, be it an Amazon package, Christmas break, or a new baby, we tend to get antsy. It is so hard to wait. It is even harder when you do not know what the outcome will be: medical test results, a call back on your latest job application, or waiting on the Lord.
We are familiar with anticipation, and it’s not comfortable.
This past summer, we waited in a place of great anxiety and anticipation as we wondered if God would provide the teachers that we needed.
He did.
But it was not easy to wait.
In this season of Advent, I am reminded of Simeon. He waited in the temple courts, believing and trusting in God’s provision, but he did not receive confirmation until he laid eyes on the newborn Christ child.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32
What’s remarkable is that Simeon did not see the fulfillment of salvation. Christ had come. The promise was fulfilled, but the work was not done. The salvation through His death and resurrection had not yet been realized. Yet Simeon witnessed the arrival of the Savior, and it was enough. He did not need to see the end. He knew the fulfillment of God’s covenant would happen, because of his incredible faith and because he had already seen the Lord’s provision.
What do we still doubt in our lives this season because we have not seen the complete fulfillment? For me, I know I still face anxiety and doubts as I consider the path forward for Lima Christian School for the next 50 years, yet I have already witnessed the provision of the Lord this year. He brought the teachers that we needed. He provided overwhelming blessing at our auction and our fund-a-need. More encouraging still, He is moving in the hearts of our students in a mighty way. I was blessed this week to hear of our students, spontaneously and of their own impetus, gathering for worship, prayer, and Bible study.
God is good.
And He has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of them.
There are so many moments and reasons not to believe that there is hope for the future. Even this summer, there were so many times when it seemed that we might not have the teachers this fall. But we have seen the blessing of the Lord. No matter what we still anticipate or hope for, we can have confidence that our Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The one who has given to us abundantly will continue to meet our needs.
Let us wait with anticipation for what the Lord will do next.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
About the Author
Michael Blankenship brings 10+ years of experience in Christian education to the role as Head of School at Lima Christian School. A product of Christian education himself, he is passionate about partnering with families and churches to disciple students to become Saints: people set apart to use their God-given talents in lives honoring Jesus Christ.
