Though it tarries, wait for it

"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.  Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay."
- Habakkuk 2:3 (NASB)

Mike shared this verse with me a little while back after hearing some commentary on the radio.  Basically, the Israelites were awaiting God's revelation (vision) to the prophet Habakkuk regarding their deliverance from the oppressive Chaldeans.  God had promised that he would speak to them, but had not yet done so.

Now, what can a wannabe mama learn from ancient Israel and a minor prophet?  Let's consult the experts:

"Note, God has an appointed time for his appointed work, and will be sure to do the work when the time comes; it is not for us to anticipate his appointments, but to wait his time.  And it is a great encouragement to wait with patience, that, though the promised favor be deferred long, it will come at last, and be an abundant recompense to us for our waiting.
...
The promise may seem silent a great while, but at the end it shall speak; and therefore, though it tarry longer than we expected, yet we must continue waiting for it, being assured it will come, and willing to tarry until it does come."

From the Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible

http://www.studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=hab&chapter=002

God is faithful to fulfill his promises, even (and especially) when things don't happen according to our preferred timing.  We have been waiting three years for a positive pregnancy test, and I know many who have been waiting much, much longer.  But what exactly does God have in store for those of us who hope and pray for a child?

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

- Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Many infertility resources stress the importance of keeping up hope that you will one day see that second pink line, carry a child to full term, and birth a healthy baby.  Not that there is anything wrong with hope... but nowhere does God actually promise us children.  He does tell us that all things work together for the good of those who love Him - including the pains and consequences of infertility.  

I choose to place my hope in the fact that I have a loving, eternal, all-powerful Father on my side, and he is working out the details of my life for my ultimate good.  I accept that He may never give me the children I desire now because He may have something much bigger in store for my life.

Though God's plan for our family has seemed silent for a long time, I can rest in the assurance that He is working according to His perfect timing.  Meanwhile, I'm learning a lot about patience.