Sometimes it seems that life is like a tug-of-war game between hurry and wait. But scripture shows us time and time again that learning to wait on God’s timing is always our best option.
A SEASON OF WAITING
As I sit in my quiet time, I marvel at God’s wisdom.
I believe I have been in a season of waiting. But, in actuality, who do you know that has not been in a season of waiting? We all have to wait for things at some point in our lives. Waiting is a topic that is dear to my heart for many reasons. One of them being I don’t like to wait and I have never considered myself a patient person. And if I were to be completely honest with you, I was ok with not being patient. While I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica (think “Island time”), I have lived in New York for the majority of my life and I have become a New Yorker through and through – fast-paced and no patience.
GOD SHOWS UP
What I have discovered is how God shows up in times of waiting, and how many lessons I have learned as a result of waiting and trusting the process. I can say that I have truly learned how to trust God. Whether I get the answer I desire or not, I can know that God loves me with an everlasting love. And I don’t mean that as a pat answer. I truly mean that I have discovered what it means to have a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I see it in the way He speaks to my heart through devotions. I see it in the people that He sends in my life to speak over me, and to encourage me along the journey. I see it in the doors He opens (or shuts) when I fully trust Him and stop relying on my own wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Can I confirm what you’ve probably already been thinking? Waiting on God is HARD. His plans are usually different than ours – His ways are usually different than ours. But guess what I’ve discovered? His plans are ALWAYS better than mine.
I encourage you to trust the process of waiting. I encourage you to learn the lessons that He has in store for you.
LEARNING TO WAIT
I want to share a few verses that have become my go-to for waiting and trusting my Heavenly Father:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Psalm 37:7a NIV
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom of not giving us everything we ask for in the time that we ask it. Thank you for teaching us these invaluable lessons that become life long lessons and extend not only to other parts of our lives – but that we can also share with others. Father, teach us how to wait well upon You, knowing that you can see the beginning from the end, and you have good things in store for us.