During Aron Osborne’s message on Noah this past Sunday, I was reminded of the following devotional I had written a while back. Aron pointed out so well the mercy of the Lord (He provided for Noah and his family; He pursues us; He is the initiator of our salvation!) and how the Lord’s mercy enables us to respond in faith-filled obedience. My short writing below focuses on trusting the Lord in times of waiting and how He mercifully develops contentment in us. I hope it encourages you.

"and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Gen. 8:3-4, ESV)

If I had been in the ark for forty days—not to mention one hundred and fifty days—would I have been patient? When I pray for answers, I often expect them quickly. When God makes a promise to me, I want it Now, now, Lord.

My husband and I waited four years to adopt. Even before our agency matched us with a birthmother, I startled at every telephone ring. Was this THE CALL? Had our baby been born? Sadly, I often lowered my head at the sound of a friend’s voice through the receiver. How much longer, Lord?

By the fourth year, I knew if I never became a mother, I could trust God to help me through that pain. I could be both childless and content.

The agency called later that year, and our newborn daughter, wrapped in a soft, warm blanket was placed in my empty arms. The peace God had accomplished in me made my joy infinitely sweeter.

I am learning to thank God for the waiting. While I am in the ark, He cultivates my trust in Him. Knowing God more intimately is worth the wait.

Father, while we wait, reveal new dimensions of your sovereignty, and increase our trust in you.