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Note: This post was written as part of the Infertility Bible Study series. If you’d prefer to read it on the free downloadable ebook, click here.
A reading from Acts 24:24-27:
[Before reading, the context of this passage is this: Paul was under trial before Felix the governor for being a “troublemaker” and for “stirring up riots” (verse 5). Felix didn’t know what to do, so he kept him under guard for the time being.] The story continues:
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. [Acts 24:24-27, NIV]
When I read this story, I had been trying to get pregnant for the exact amount of time that it said Paul had been in prison—2 years. Two years. My mind tells me that two years isn’t that long, that a lot of couples have been waiting much longer than that, even. But I can’t help feeling like it’s been forever. What’s the deal with the waiting, God? What are you still trying to teach me that I haven’t already learned?
After reading this Bible passage, a question was raised at Bible study: “Why do you think God kept Paul in prison for that long—for two years?” I immediately thought of what I’m sure God was trying to teach Paul—“the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3), I recited in my head. Paul needed to learn some lessons, probably. God was preparing him for the future work he had planned for him—what trials he was going to have to suffer through, how he was going to have to stay the course and persevere. God is preparing Paul for his future work, I thought.
But before I had a chance to chime in, someone else commented, “It gave Paul a chance to pray. And to write! To encourage others with his writing.”
That possibility hadn’t even occurred to me. I’d always considered waiting periods as times to learn. As times to prepare for the future.
Not that I think there’s anything wrong with that thought—God does teach us things in the waiting, and he does prepare us for our future. But what if he has a plan for us right now, too? Paul used his two years in prison to draw closer to God, to encourage and write to others. What have I been using these two years for? Wishing I was pregnant? Wondering why I wasn’t? Feeling bitterness toward my pregnant friends? Waiting for God to reveal his “real” plan for me?
This week, ask yourself: What are you doing with your waiting time?
Prayer: God, forgive me for my impatience. Help me to learn the lessons you are teaching me during this waiting period. But more importantly, remind me that you want me right here, not just to prepare me for future work, but because there is work to be done right here. Help me to use this time to draw closer to you. Help me to seek and recognize those opportunities that I have to serve you right now, loving and encouraging others right where I am. I will trust your timing. Amen.
Scripture to memorize: 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Song for the way to work: Worth the Wait by 33 Miles
Suggested scripture readings for the week:
Genesis 40:9-23, 41:1-13
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
2 Peter 3:8-18
1 Samuel 13:1-15
Isaiah 40:21-31
Click to return to the Infertility Bible Study Series.
This was very encouraging, and it helped me to look at a trial as a future lesson…in my relationship with my mother. It made me reflect rather judge her for her actions. Thank you!!