Waiting

If you’re like me (human), waiting isn’t your favorite thing to do. We live in an instant gratification world. Because of this, we have even less patience. Some people even throw tantrums like a kid if they don’t get what they want when they want it. It isn’t pretty.

As for me, I want to know how long the wait will last and what the day and time will be so I can pace myself until it’s over. Like a sign at the DMV that tells you how many more numbers need to be called until it’s your turn. Or the departure and arrival signs at the airport that tell you how long your flight has been delayed. 

But when waiting on the Lord through a particular time in your life, it doesn’t work that way. Our time isn’t the same as His. We measure Earth time minute by minute. But God is eternal and outside of our time. He sees our lives from our first day to our last all at once. We can’t see what He sees. As believers, His plan is higher than ours and always for our greater good.

The Holy Bible says this amazing truth about time in 2 Peter 3:8 (NLT):

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”

In my life, waiting has taught me some of the deepest lessons I’ve ever learned. I didn’t say the most comfortable or enjoyable. Being stretched is … a stretch! In fact, a couple of times in my life I’ve had about half a drop of hope left in my tank, especially while caring for one of my parents for seven years. I was exhausted, down a deep well of discouragement, and not seeing any light at the end of a long tunnel. 

Maybe you’ve felt that way or are there now. As one who’s been there too, let me encourage you right now that even half a drop of hope is MORE than enough when your hope is in Almighty God and His unfailing love. Pour out your heart to Him in prayer and He will hear you.

Waiting teaches us that what we may want to fight or become angry about is actually shaping and guiding us. Let’s take a look at a few types of waiting we may experience in life. God has a unique purpose for each one. I’ve personally experienced all four. Have you?

A Time Out: You’re on the wrong path.

Sometimes God does an intervention and puts us in a time out to give us the opportunity to break sinful habits. We’re on the wrong path or doing things that are harmful. If we’re honest, we’ll admit our choices and actions are the reason. A waiting season like this can even save a person’s life.

A New Direction: Something better is coming.

Waiting for pieces to fall into place for something you’ve worked hard at, or truly believed would happen, could instead be a turning point. God may have something better planned for you. Will you trust and follow Him?

A Time of Training: You aren’t ready yet.

I can especially relate to this one. Sometimes staying faithful and doing the best you can with what you have while waiting for results can seem pointless. However, it can instead be training for what’s next. This type of waiting is actually giving you the skills you’ll need for even bigger opportunities and responsibilities.

A Deep Test of Trust: This type of waiting is the most challenging of all. 

It could be a health crisis for you or someone you love. It could be a sudden devastating event. During times like these, there’s no question that help can only come from the Lord. Only He is able to make a difference. For some, this is the only way they’ll turn to trust Him because there’s no alternative.

If we allow God to speak to us in times of waiting and teach us the personal lessons He has for us, it will deepen our wisdom and understanding. If we are patient and learn from Him instead of fight His process, we’ll become stronger and rooted in Him no matter what storms and seasons come our way.

RESET HIGHER: Here are some strength-giving promises for you to claim anytime, especially in a time of waiting:

Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV): “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly, He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.“

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT): “ So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.“

I Peter 5:10 (NLT): “In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory, by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.”

Finally, this prayer for you from Romans 15:13 (NIV):

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“