3 reminders for the waiting…
There are so many moments in life that feel like a snapshot that we return to over and over again. In some seasons, the burning passion and calling of the Lord weigh in our hearts. What happens in the space between hearing His voice and the promise to come… and seeing it fulfilled?
Waiting.
We know so many of you have different areas of your life where you are waiting on the Lord to intercede. Whether that’s provision, a spouse, a job, ministry and more—the burdens in your heart are there. Sometimes the waiting feels exhausting and disheartening—why does it feel so long? Why does it feel as if we are walking down a long and empty road with doubt shadowing our footsteps? Some days, it doesn’t even seem like we are taking a step forward, we are in a desert of stasis. The day-to-day feels challenging when you can feel a soul-deep tug toward what the Lord has planned for you. But we promise you—even when it doesn’t feel like you are going anywhere in your season of waiting, those moments are often when the Lord will create major breakthrough.
To come to that breakthrough, though, we often have to persevere and entirely surrender our own plans. Waiting takes patience. The Lord isn’t calling us to something easy, He’s calling us to something good. If you are waiting, there is still hope—because nothing is finished until God says it’s finished. As you wait, we want to encourage you to wait well.
Here are three reminders to guide you in your waiting season:
How we wait matters in the eyes of the Lord. It’s shown through the entirety of the Bible, echoed in Jesus’ teaching. From keeping a lamp lit for Jesus’ return to Abraham waiting for a child, the importance of patience and trusting in the Lord is something we have to remember. Just because there is an area of life that you are waiting on the Lord for does not mean the rest of your life stops, nor does the calling He has for you. You have to grow. Waiting is not a season of stagnation! If it is anything, this should be your most active “heart-work,” season. Keep pressing in. You have a beautiful opportunity to truly bear fruit from learning to surrender and abide in the Lord above all else. You are NOT just “passing time,” but instead preparing with purpose.
Waiting shows exactly where you are at with the Lord. Layers are peeled back and it exposes you in your entirety to Him. What level of faith do you truly hold when He is on the water and you have to step out of the boat to get to Him? Will you let the Lord draw you near to His heart? When you move past the discomfort vulnerability brings, there is a beautiful depth and intimacy the Lord uses to completely change your heart. Expect JOY beyond the unknown, friend. Our God is a good and loving God who is working everything together for your good.
Expect your faith to be challenged and deepened. We believe faith and diligence are required for the fruit of patience to grow in your life. When you have to wait, and focus on the Lord, you’re standing on the water with Him, just as Peter did with Jesus, and you are dependent ENTIRELY on Him. There’s courage in stepping out and asking yourself the soul-searching and challenging questions. The beauty, though, is the freedom that follows you walking your faith out and releasing what you may be wrestling with back to the Lord. In the Word, we see over and over what a little mustard seed of faith can do—most of all, faith in the Lord is what changes everything.
Take heart, friend! What if the waiting season of your life is where He heals you? Frees you? Transforms you? There is so much value in your here and now. Don’t be afraid to reflect today and ask the Lord if there are areas of your heart that need to be softened or surrendered. We want to encourage you to keep walking the course that He has called you to, even if it doesn’t make sense right now. Persevering and producing patience are tough things to do.
Remember, He sees you, in every moment—and He has not forgotten you. Our God is compassionate and so gracious—and He wants to meet you where you are at.
