Faithful Waiting: Trusting in God's Promises

Have you ever been given a promise by someone that has yet to be fulfilled? Perhaps it was a debt that was to be repaid, a gift that was promised, a long-awaited vacation, or a resolution to change for the better. Most promises are made with the best intentions, but many are delayed or never fulfilled.

However, unlike human promises, God's promises are always fulfilled. Some require patience, but they will come to pass. As Christians, we need God's promises; they are our hope, our life, and our strength. But we must learn to wait and trust Him, knowing that He will fulfill all His promises in His perfect time.

Learning to Wait: The Story of Simeon

A powerful example of faithful waiting is found in the life of Simeon, a man who waited all his life for the fulfillment of a single promise—the coming of the Messiah. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:25–26). Though he is mentioned only once in the Bible (Luke 2:21–35), his role is crucial in confirming that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Savior. The Christmas story would not be complete without Simeon’s encounter with Jesus.

Simeon's story teaches us how to faithfully wait on God’s promises:

1. Knowing and Anticipating God's Promises in His Word
2. Being Led by the Holy Spirit
3. Encountering Jesus and Living a Life of Praise

The Fulfillment of God's Promises

Jesus Presented at the Temple

In Luke 2:21–24, we see Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple to be presented to the Lord according to Jewish law. This act of obedience highlights their faithfulness to God’s commands. It also sets the stage for Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, which confirms that God's promise was being fulfilled before his very eyes.

The 400 Years of Silence

Before Christ’s birth, there was a period of 400 years where no new prophetic revelations were given to Israel. Many had lost hope, but not Simeon. He remained faithful, trusting in the promises of God despite the silence.

Simeon was:

• A righteous and devout man
• Looking for the "consolation of Israel"—the promised Savior
• Led by the Holy Spirit

Even in the absence of new prophetic messages, he trusted in what God had already spoken through Scripture. He knew that God’s promises would come to pass, no matter how long it took.

Simeon's Moment of Fulfillment

Luke 2:28–32 describes the moment when Simeon held the Messiah in his arms and blessed God, proclaiming:

"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel."

His waiting was not in vain. He encountered the Messiah, and his response was one of praise. Simeon's words, known as the Nunc Dimittis (Latin for "Now Dismiss"), have been recited in Christian worship for centuries as an expression of fulfillment and peace in God’s promises.

How Can We Wait Faithfully on God's Promises?

1: Know God's Promises in His Word

Simeon knew God's promises and trusted them. Even in a time of silence, he remained steadfast. Likewise, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, knowing that God’s Word is true and His promises never fail.

Some key promises of God include:

• The Promise of Salvation
• Isaiah 9:6: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us..."
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son..."
• The Promise of Peace and Comfort
• Philippians 4:6–7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication..."
• The Promise of Provision
• Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..."
• The Promise of Victory
• 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man..."
• The Promise for the Future
• John 14:3: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again..."

At the center of all these promises is Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20 declares, "For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes..." Jesus is the fulfillment of God's greatest promise—salvation for all who believe in Him.

2: Yield to the Holy Spirit

Simeon was led by the Spirit to the temple at the right moment to meet Jesus (Luke 2:27). Likewise, when we yield to the Holy Spirit, He guides us, strengthens our faith, and helps us recognize God’s work in our lives.

3: Encounter Jesus and Live a Life of Praise

Simeon’s immediate response to seeing Jesus was to bless God. He understood that his life’s purpose was fulfilled in Christ. Like him, we should live in anticipation of encountering Jesus in our daily lives—through Scripture, prayer, and worship. Our response should always be praise, knowing that God is faithful.

God's Promises Reveal His Character

The reliability of God’s promises is rooted in His character:

• He is good
• He is faithful
• He is full of grace
• He is a loving Father

Romans 8:32 reminds us, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"

We can trust God fully because He has already fulfilled His greatest promise—sending Jesus to save us. This is our assurance that every other promise He has made will also be fulfilled in His perfect time.

In the waiting, let us be like Simeon—faithful, Spirit-led, and filled with praise. For God’s promises are always worth the wait.