SURPRISE | Navigating the Unexpected

The Waiting Well

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

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Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

1) REMIND YOURSELF ON THE TRUTH OF GOD'S CHARACTER

Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

2

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.

3

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 136:26 NIV

26

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Isaiah 54:10 NIV

10

Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Romans 10:12 NIV

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

Psalm 23:4 NIV

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

2) PRAY

Luke 2:37 NIV

37 …. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

James 5:16 NIV

…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

3) WORSHIP WITH GRATITUDE

Luke 2:38 NIV

38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

4) LIVING THE MISSION ... NOW

Luke 2:37 NIV

and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple…

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

Luke 12:35-38 NIV

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.