Why Is God Waiting?
Audra, a missionary to the Muslims in Yemen, had moved with her family to a new area. She thought about boys she had just met who had never heard of Jesus' love, and prayed, "Lord, there are four million people in the Tihama like those boys, people hungry to know more than they do, hungry to be loved as only You can love. Work in this land, Lord," she prayed. "Move Your mighty hand and draw them to Yourself."
She prayed passionately, longing for these people to hear and know Jesus. Then, as she prayed she became suddenly overwhelmed as she saw God's power. She saw His ability to move across Yemen as the Almighty God, pouring His love, surging forward to bring His peace and reconciliation to every man, woman and child.
She was ecstatic. "Yes, Lord! Do it! Move forward," she cried.
But then she saw God holding back. It was as if He were standing on the crest of the mountain ready but waiting. He was capable, with every resource at His command, fully able to take over the valley. But He was not moving. He was waiting.
She was confused. "Why, Lord?" She did not understand. "Why are You waiting? You desire that every one of these people be saved and come to know the truth. Your Word says so (see 1 Timothy 2:4)! Why are You waiting?"
She heard the Lord's clear answer. "I am waiting until My desire is the desire in the hearts of My people. I am waiting for My people to want what I want and to ask Me for it."
Tears misted her eyes as the picture faded slowly away. Did God's people desire Muslim nations to hear God's message? Were God's people praying like they desired it? Were they praying like they believed God could do it?
Dear Lord, is my heart longing for what Your heart longs?
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to" (Matthew 7:7).
