Of late, God has been taking me on waiting lessons. Everything around me seems to point to this subject matter, and I must say there’s a hidden beauty in waiting. Though it might feel like God is slow or things aren’t going according to plans, Hebrews 10:23 assures us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” He knows the perfect timing for His plans to unfold in our lives. All we have to do is trust in His sovereignty and relax in the back seat, knowing He’s a capable driver.
Waiting with Purpose
A recent sermon by a wise pastor shed light on the importance of waiting. He mentioned that our stories become extraordinary because of the challenges and periods of waiting we face. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is strengthened through trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). The wait itself becomes an indicator that God has something special planned for us. He’s “working in you and for you, and will continue to work in you to complete what he began” (Philippians 1:6).
Here are some key points that resonated with me:
Waiting Doesn’t Mean Stagnation: Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” While we wait, God equips us and strengthens us for the future.
Waiting Reveals Our Specialness:
As the saying goes, “Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors.” The challenges and delays we face may indicate God preparing us for something extraordinary. Just as a diamond is formed under intense pressure, our faith is refined during seasons of waiting.
Waiting Builds Dependence on God:
Sometimes, the easy path hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from appreciating His blessings. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Learning from the Wait: The Israelites’ Journey
In a previous article, I mentioned watching a documentary about Moses. The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness resonates with my own season of waiting. The Bible tells us God led them through this challenging path for a reason. He wanted them to learn valuable lessons like followership, resilience, and complete dependence on Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). The wait cultivates a heart of gratitude, reminding us that our blessings come from God’s grace, not our own merit.
Waiting with Purpose:
Waiting doesn’t have to be a passive state. Here are some ways to use this time productively:
Seek God in Prayer and Bible Study:
Draw closer to Him through consistent prayer and studying His Word. This will strengthen your faith and provide guidance during uncertain times.
Serve Others:
Focus on helping those in need. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your faith through acts of service.
Practice Gratitude:
Reflect on the blessings you already have. A grateful heart fosters a positive outlook and fuels hope for the future.
Prayer:
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, GRANT ME PATIENCE AND TRUST AS I NAVIGATE SEASONS OF WAITING. REMIND ME OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS AND PERFECT TIMING. HELP ME USE THIS TIME TO GROW CLOSER TO YOU, STRENGTHEN MY FAITH, AND SERVE OTHERS. MAY I FIND PURPOSE IN THE WAITING AND EMERGE STRONGER, MORE PREPARED FOR THE BLESSINGS YOU HAVE IN STORE. AMEN.
Remember, waiting is not an empty void; it’s a fertile ground where God cultivates our faith and prepares us for His magnificent plans. So, hold on to hope, dear friends, for the greatest moments often follow the most significant delays. Trust in His timing, and watch as your beautiful bloom emerges from the ashes of waiting.
