The Waiting Is Important

Sonnet 19: When I consider how my light is spent
BY JOHN MILTON

When I consider how my light is spent, 

   Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 

   And that one Talent which is death to hide 

   Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 

   My true account, lest he returning chide; 

   “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” 

   I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent 

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need 

   Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best 

   Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state 

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed 

   And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest: 

   They also serve who only stand and wait.”

This poem is also called "On His Blindness." The last line strikes me. 

Many days, as someone who is chronically ill, waiting doesn't seem like serving. But, waiting in prayer is a very important part of serving. In fact, God has it as part of his purpose. He uses the waiting as part of His will for us. 

Honestly, I want to study this more, but have thought about several servants of God who had to wait and for whom God used the waiting: David, Moses, Abraham, Elijah, and Paul just to name a few. God used the waiting to train them, to mold them. God is in the waiting!