**This weeks blog is by Guest blogger, Jennifer Rhodes**

Have you ever waited for something so long you questioned if it would ever come? Did you give up hope?  Or did you hold tight to that promise [whatever it may be], assured God would fulfill it?  Luke 2:25 describes a man by the name of Simeon who was ‘just (some versions say ‘righteous’) and devout.’  This man was no ordinary, average Christian.  The Bible reveals he was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.  Verse 26 describes a promise given to this visionary man.  The Holy Spirit had promised that he would not see death until he had seen Jesus with his own eyes.  No one really knows how much time elapsed between when he received the promise and when it came to fruition, though scholars suspect it was a prolonged period of time.  Scripture does tell us Simeon was intently watching and awaiting the fulfillment of the promise.  [Side note:  Eastern Orthodox Church traditions suggest he could have been over two hundred years old as he was rumored to be one of the 72 translators of the Septuagint.]  One can’t help but question if he had his weak moments like the rest of us.  Or possibly questioning if he really heard the voice of God.

We, like Simeon, await the fulfillment of promises. Simeon did not know that blissful morning when he “came by the Spirit” [v.27] into the temple that this would be the day that he would see the Promised One.  The Bible does not describe anyone informing Simeon the baby he saw that day was the Lord.  Rather he recognized the promise for himself when it walked in. (verse 28-32).  This day and this time was appointed by God.  Joseph and Mary thought they were bringing their baby to perform the custom of the law.  They had no knowledge they were agents to fulfill a promise that day.  As they watched Simeon’s vision unfold they marveled at the magnitude of the life they had been appointed to raise. (v. 33-35)  They received yet further confirmation this was the son of God.  We know God is a promise keeper.  But what are we doing during our waiting season?  We have two choices.  We can choose to, like Simeon, anticipate our miracle ‘walking through the door’ at any given moment.  Or we can sit and complain because it doesn’t appear in the time period or in the way we desire.  Isa. 40:31—“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Waiting isn’t easy, but it’s worth it!