Throughout history, God’s people have consistently faced personal, national, or global
challenges. During the brief periods of peace, there is a tendency to grow complacent and take
God for granted. The Bible shows us these cycles, helping us recognize their presence in our own
lives.
Centuries ago, the prophet Micah warned his people about their complacency. Even with the
threat of foreign invasions, the Israelites ignored God’s warnings and said His presence would
always protect them—unconcerned! But interestingly Micah’s warnings showed that the real
battle was not against the foreign enemies but against the Israelites’ spiritual slackness within
themselves. Their greater enemy was internal, not external, and their first line of defense was
strengthening their relationship with God.
Today, the concerns of individuals reflect this same struggle. A mother weeps over her child’s
troubling decisions. A father grapples with leading his family through crises, facing closed doors
at every turn. A recent graduate wonders why they persevered through school when the job
market has shifted dramatically. Across the globe, countless children experience anxiety about
leaving their homes or attending school due to real dangers. These external challenges are real
and must be addressed, but the question remains: how do we tackle them?
Micah offers an answer that seems weak yet is powerful. First, he describes the corruption in the
government and how people cannot even trust their friends, family, or the words they whisper to
a spouse (Micah 7:3-6). Micah’s answer and strategy? “Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will
wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). He confesses that
suffering may occur, but he remains hopeful: “He (God) will bring me forth to the light; I will
see his righteousness” (Micah 7:9c).
By “waiting on the Lord” Micah wasn’t ignoring what was happening around him. Instead, he
was busy seeking God’s “To-do” list. God is busy even when it looks like he’s doing nothing—
and God expects the same from us. God might send you to address challenges, support others,
establish organizations that meet urgent needs, or pray more than ever. Only God knows the
specific strategy that will lead to solutions. That’s what godly “waiting” looks like. Regardless
of your type of “foreign enemy,” God “will bring (you) forth to the light.” Just wait.
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
