Wait and See

“His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.”  Exodus 2:4

“We’ll just have to wait and see.”  In lots of situations those few words hold more than a little truth, and we feel like Moses’ sister, Miriam—standing at a distance, helpless and hoping, wondering what will happen.   

Would the basket dislodge from the reeds and float away?  Would the baby become supper for a hungry crocodile?  The young girl could do nothing but watch and wonder.  She was too far away to hold and far too weak to help.  Forces beyond her control had created the circumstance, and a Power bigger than her imagination would arrange the solution.  For the moment, her place in the plan was to wait and see.

It’s not a comfortable spot to be in when those we love are dealing with disaster, disease, or despair, and we can do nothing to make it better.  (Yes, we can and should pray, but even that declares dependency, for on our own we are unable to undo accidents, cure cancer, or dispel depression.)  Often, as God works His will in the lives of others, we must stand at a distance and watch.  

Don’t get distracted, for God might have more for you to do.  Miriam kept a keen eye on the precious bundle, and the moment the princess picked him up, his sister rushed in.  “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”(Ex 2:7).  Her alertness allowed her mother to once again hold her own son and for their family to be together a bit longer.  

When you find yourself too far away to hold and far too weak to help, know that your place in the plan might just be to wait and see.  While you’re wondering, God is working, so be ready to step in as soon you can.  

A big sister standing by her little brother made huge difference.

Who does God want you to watch today?