Watching and Waiting

There is a difference in watching “for” and watching “with”. Most of the time we are watching “for” God to reply, respond, act, etc. In the midst of Gethsemane grief, Jesus asked His disciples to “watch with” Him (Matthew 26:40). Unable to do so, they opted instead for a few moments of sleep, watching and waiting only for Him to finish praying. While we may not opt for sleep, seldom do we “watch with” Him. We conclude that we are far too busy for such passive activity. We’ve got things to do, places to go, people to see. How could we possibly spend time simply “watching?” When will be learn that quiet time is never wasted time when it is spent with Him? The disciples would later learn not only to “watch with” Him on one occasion, but for the rest of their lives. Fanny Crosby, who could not “watch” as most of us can, wrote, “Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in His love.” May He never have to ask of us, “Could you not watch with me” (Matthew 26:40)?

Join me in remembering the following global concerns before the Father:
• Sept. 8th, is the first day of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). Pray for those who minister among our Jewish friends.
• Pray for Patricia who is finishing a Scripture consultant check with the Nugunu (Cameroon).
• Pray for the new church starts that begin this week on and near University campuses in metro Vancouver, Canada.
• Pray for Marilyn and the ministry of the Hope Clinic in Macau.