Simeon and the Grace of Waiting

Luke 2:25–35

If you're like me, I'm assuming you also don’t like to wait. We wait for answers to prayer, for healing, for direction, for God to move—and the waiting can feel heavy. In Luke 2, we meet Simeon, a man whose faith was shaped not by speed, but by trust formed over time.

Luke tells us Simeon was “righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel." That one line holds the story of a lifetime. Simeon had built his hope around a promise: God would send comfort to His people. And Simeon believed God would keep His word—even if it took longer than he expected.

Waiting With God, Not Away From Him

Simeon’s waiting was not empty or idle. Scripture says the Holy Spirit was upon him and guiding him. His patience did not pull him away from God; it drew him closer. Day after day, Simeon lived in quiet attentiveness, trusting that God was present even when nothing seemed to be happening.

There is something deeply comforting for me here. Waiting does not mean God is absent. Sometimes, waiting is the very place where God is shaping my heart.

Faith That Has Learned to Trust

When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, Simeon recognized Him immediately. The Messiah did not come in power or glory, but as a baby—small, fragile, easy to overlook. Yet Simeon’s long obedience had trained his eyes. Those who wait patiently often learn to see what others miss.

Taking the child in his arms, Simeon praised God, saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” He does not ask for more time or more blessings. He is at peace. After a lifetime of waiting, seeing God’s faithfulness is enough.

Honest Hope in a Broken World

Simeon’s words are tender, but they are also honest. He speaks of division, resistance, and sorrow. He tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. Simeon understands that God’s salvation will not come without pain.

This is a gentle reminder for us. Faithful waiting does not deny suffering. It trusts that God is at work even when the path forward includes grief. Simeon holds joy and sorrow together, teaching us that hope does not require pretending life is easy.

A Word for Those Who Are Still Waiting

Many of you might find yourself, like me, in the middle of our waiting. We haven’t yet seen what we hoped for. Simeon’s story offers quiet encouragement: God is faithful, even when His timing feels slow. The years Simeon spent waiting were not wasted—they prepared him for the moment when God’s promise arrived.

Another thing I have noticed in Simeon's story is his "expentancy" level was at a "10"... never wavering in believing he would see the Messiah. Mine is hovering around "2.4". It seems the longer I wait, the lower my expentancy wavers... which is probably why the Lord highlighted Simeon's story to me during this waiting season of my life.

If you are waiting like me today, take heart. God sees us. He is not late. And our faithfulness in the waiting matters more than we may realize.

Like Simeon, may we learn to wait with open hands and trusting hearts—confident that, in God’s time, our eyes too will see His salvation.