What Are You Waiting For? by Bryan Craig
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 ESV
Well, Christmas is over, and it’s time to start thinking about taking down the decorations and boxing them up for another year. Boo! It’s always a bit sad to me. It’s also just a few days from the official wrap-up to 2025. I think most of us do a little reflection at the end of the year. I think it’s healthy. Take some time and look back at all that happened this past year, the good, the bad, the mistakes, the blessings, the challenges, the surprises. You will be amazed to think about all that was contained within one calendar year. Time flies so quickly that we often don’t take notice of what is happening until we pause and look back.
It's also a time to look ahead to what God might have in store in 2026. Some of it we have no idea about. I can think of at least two significant things in my life that happened in 2025 that were nowhere on my radar screen as we entered January of this year. And these were great things.
I’m still reflecting on Christmas and the Christmas story, and I realize how so many people in the story had been waiting. Zechariah and Elizabeth had been waiting on a child for many years, ever faithful despite so many unanswered prayers. Mary and Joseph were waiting to get married and maintaining their purity as they patiently waited. Simeon had been waiting to see the Lord’s Christ for many years, being promised he would not die before he laid eyes on him. Anna, the prophetess had been a widow for 77 years, praying and fasting and worshiping every day, waiting on the redemption of Jerusalem. When God sent Jesus, the waiting was over for so many people, the years of patience, anguish and wondering.
What are you waiting for?
What are you dreaming about?
What would you like Jesus to do for you that He hasn’t done yet?
It’s not unspiritual to hope and dream and desire. Many times, our hopes and dreams are things that God has planted inside of us. He is the Dreamgiver. But we must also discipline ourselves to submit our plans and desires to Him. We must believe that He is in control and He desires good for us. He desires the best for us.
Remember what Isaiah said about our Lord Jesus, whom we just celebrated His long-awaited birth.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
Jesus is the “Wonderful Counselor”- He is the best one to talk to about your desires, dreams, plans and challenges in life. He gives the best advice and wisdom. He wants to help you, even as you wait on dreams to be realized.
Jesus is “Mighty God”- Yes, Jesus is God. Do you understand that? Jesus Himself said “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) That means He has all the resources and power to handle anything you need. He can help you overcome your weaknesses and the greatest challenges you face. He is your answer. Seek Him.
Jesus is the “Everlasting Father”. God wanted to make Himself known through Jesus, and He sent Jesus so that through His sacrifice and atonement for our sins, we could be adopted. Those who believe in Jesus are sons and daughters of God. That means we are part of the Holy Royal Family. Let that sink in. Perhaps you are worrying about things that princes and princesses shouldn’t worry about.
Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”- Do you have peace? If not, you need to abide with Jesus, your Lord, so He can give you the fruit of His Spirit…love, joy, PEACE, and more. He may not answer all our prayers the way we desire, but He can give us peace even in the unanswered prayers. Our Plan B may be his Plan A, or He may have a Plan that is not even in our minds. Remember that He wants to “do far more abundantly than we can ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) Trust the Prince of Peace.
Jesus is the “King of kings.” As you look around the world, it may look like Satan is on the throne. True, Jesus called Satan the “ruler of this world” (John 14:30) or “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), but Revelations 12:12, says the devil was thrown to the earth and he knows his “time is short.” Yes, the devil has great influence upon those on the earth. But for those of us who belong to Jesus, we are subject to the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). Satan has no power over us, other than what the King allows. So if you are going through a time when evil seems to be winning, take heart and take your matter to the King. He may tell you to be patient or tell you this is part of His development plan for you, but just know He can be trusted.
Brothers and Sisters, be encouraged, even if you’ve been waiting for something for so long. Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the King of kings is here, from now until eternity. He will never leave you nor forsake you, and He has good plans for you. I pray you may be pleasantly surprised in 2026.