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Wait Three Days



My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Exodus 33: 14



Do you know Resurrection Sunday is just a few weeks away? 


Knowing that Jesus spent forty days fasting and praying in the desert before his public ministry, I feel drawn to embrace new birth and renewal by making extra room to dwell in his presence. 


Unlike the early disciples, you and I know what lies ahead on the road to Calvary. But knowing what will come and trusting God with the unknown when our lives are altered isn’t always easy. Is it? 


I remember being part of a liturgy committee meeting in my thirties when someone shared despair over a significant loss. A cloud of heaviness hung over those gathered as we listened. I grappled with something I might say until a voice of experience broke the tension and replied with a knowing smile, “Oh, but wait three days.”


Although I didn’t fully comprehend the profound impact that pearl of wisdom would have on my life until years later, I have clung tightly to these words ever since. Though circumstances or my uncertainties may not change in three days, knowing God has a plan can change everything. 


During Passover, when thousands made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, there was a time when the religious leaders allowed money changers and merchants to sell cattle, sheep, and doves within the temple courts. Not considering this was a place of worship, Jesus expressed his righteous anger when He saw the blatant disrespect of the Jews turning his Father’s house into a marketplace (John 2: 13-16).


When they asked for a sign to prove his authority, Jesus answered, Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days (John 2: 17-18).

 

Of course, this irritated and confused them even more. Unlike the early disciples, who broke bread with Jesus (Matthew 26: 17-30) and bore witness to his crucifixion (Matthew 27: 32), you and I know the miracle ahead. 


However, like the early followers, we, too, become confused, angry, and overwhelmed. It is here that waiting three days, like Jonah in the belly of a great fish, and other Old Testament examples, sometimes even waiting longer like Abraham and Sarah who waited until their old age to have a baby (Genesis 17: 15, Genesis 21: 2), gives God time to work things out in the best possible way.


Waiting for answers and healing takes patience. Yes, from time to time, our tears will flow, and our hearts may feel like they’re beating out of our chests, but the Risen King reminds us just as He did Moses, saying, “My presence will go with you and give you rest” (Exodus 33: 14).


During Lent, in this springtime of the soul, we reignite the gift of prayer and quiet reflection. We pause, creating space to breathe in God’s peace and discover new things about ourselves through His Word. 


Relying on God’s timing propels you and me to gain a heavenly perspective where He will weave our grief and the hiccups of every day into our stories, encourage us, and hope will dawn anew.


We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield (Psalms 33: 20).


Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30: 5). 


Come now, my friend, may hope grow in your heart as you follow Jesus along the Road to Calvary. As you wait, believe in the ultimate goal of God’s saving plan. Remember, He has risen! His love, my friend, is what Resurrection Sunday is all about.


Let’s pray.


Loving God,


Thank you for reminding me that you are a God of miracles who promises new and abundant life! Knowing you are with me wherever I go, I feel held, guided, forgiven, and loved. Help me, God, to see things like you do and wait for you to move in my life. With heartfelt gratitude, in Jesus’ name, I pray.


Amen. 


I’m praying for you, my friend.


Until next time…


May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.


With love and prayers.



Questions for Reflection


  • How does the concept of waiting three days challenge you?

  • What small steps can you take to maintain faith and trust as you wait?

  • How can you share the reassurance of God’s presence with others?


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