Genesis 18:8 says, ‘And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.’
For context, Abraham had discerned that certain sojourneying men were not ordinary. So, he stopped them from their travels, had their feet clean and prepared a sumptuous meal for them.
Then, he waited.
Christians are often encouraged to wait upon the Lord. Unfortunately, many go about it the wrong way. For many, waiting is a passive process where you simply fold your arms and wait for events to unfold.
The image that Abraham presents us is a totally different depiction of the waiting process. For Abraham, waiting was similar to what a waiter in a high-end restaurant does to patrons.
The waiter does not passively fold his arms hoping to be of service when the occasion arises. Rather, the waiter is always on standby - waiting with an expectation to meet the patron’s needs.
That was the attitude Abraham had on that sunny day at the plains of Mamre. He didn’t just hurriedly serve the travellers a meal.
He also waited with the waiter’s expectation for the Word to drop.
Needless to say, that’s what happened moments later:
Genesis 18:10: ‘And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son…’
I don’t know what you are trusting God for in your life, but I want you to always remember this: Waiting, done right, is never passive.
May the LORD give you understanding in these things.