Good morning: If you called 911 in an emergency, how long would you expect to wait for help to arrive? According to an online report, in Milwaukee the average wait for an on-scene response is 18 minutes 21 seconds. It can be hard to wait under any circumstances, but those 18 minutes could seem like 18 hours if you were having a health crisis or someone was trying to break into your home. What if the call wouldn’t get through at all? What if help wouldn’t arrive in time? Rather than wait, we would much prefer a response time of 2 seconds or less! Do you struggle with the same fears when it comes to 911 calls to God? If so, you’re not alone. The prophet Habakkuk wrote, “How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save?” (Hab. 1:2). The Lord tells us to call upon him in the day of trouble and promises that he will deliver us. But are you still waiting for that help? Waiting is not always easy, but waiting for God’s time is a good thing. It doesn’t mean that God is uncaring or unreliable. He has promised never to forsake those who trust in him. In answer to the question of why Jesus hasn’t yet returned in judgment, Peter writes, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise...Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God knows the perfect time to act. In the fullness of time, he sent his Son to redeem the world from sin and death. With our eternal salvation safely accomplished, we can call upon the Lord for help in any situation and be confident that even if we don’t see it immediately, help is on the way. Habakkuk didn’t give up calling on the Lord: “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me” (Hab. 2:1). The prophet wasn’t disappointed. The wait provided him with more time to pray. Waiting is not always easy, but waiting for God’s time is a good thing. It is a time for us to remember his promises which are all a resounding “yes!” in Christ. It is a time to pray, “Your gracious will be done according to your perfect timetable.” It’s a time to watch with hope for the Lord to come and do far more than we can ask or even imagine. Call upon him in time of trouble. Pray without ceasing. He already knows how he will help, and that help will arrive at the most beneficial moment for you. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14). Yours in Christ, Pastor The service tomorrow is at 9 a.m. The annual voters meeting will begin shortly after the service. The boards will report on their work over the past year. Elections will be held for open board positions. Several other matters will be discussed, including our financial shortfall. All voters are encouraged to set aside this time. Everyone’s gifts and participation help a great deal in carrying out the Lord’s work among us. Non-voters too are encouraged to sit in on the meeting. May the Holy Spirit guide and bless us in Jesus’ name.
