Midweek: Waiting and Watching on Wednesday

The following devotional was printed in Guideposts' Mornings with Jesus (May/ June 2023):

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. 

~ Micah 7:7 (NASB 1995)

All four Gospels record the presence of the women who stood watching during Jesus' crucifixion. These devoted followers had traveled with Him and ministered to His needs. Now they stood helpless to intervene, their hearts breaking from sorrow. A couple of women stayed on after almost everyone else had left the scene. Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of James and Joseph, watched Jesus' body being taken down from the cross and wrapped in linen. They followed to the tomb where He was buried and saw the stone rolled across the opening.

Sometimes faith means watching and waiting. Even after all hope has been lost. Even when it seems as though our world has crumbled and there's nothing to wait for. A frightening medical diagnosis, a broken relationship, the sudden loss of a loved one, or financial ruin. During these times, we show our trust in Him by quietly waiting and watching to see what He will do.

The women's loyalty to Jesus brought great rewards on Sunday morning when they went to the tomb to anoint His body. They were the first to hear the news of the resurrection and to see the risen Savior. I wonder if I would have persevered in their situation. I admire their stubborn faith that would not let go. After all, that's the only appropriate response to a love that won't let me go.

~ Dianne Neal Matthews