Waiting is painful!

I don’t know about you, but one of my least favorite things to do is to wait.  We wait in line at the grocery store, the DMV, the drive through, AND ESPECIALLY THE AIRPORT!  It seems like we are always rushing through life  just to wait in line.  Waiting, to me, often feels like I’m stuck in limbo.  Maybe you’re in between jobs or waiting for God to reveal the next chapter of your life.  Maybe your marriage is on the rocks and you’re waiting for reconciliation or closure.  Maybe you’re going through tough financial times and waiting for the tide to finally turn.  Wherever you’re at, whatever season you’re in, God’s preparing His will for your life.

God’s timing is impeccable!  Has someone ever entered your life at the exact time you needed them?  Maybe it was a friend who picked you up while you were down or some wise counsel that came at the most opportune time.  Maybe it was a stranger or someone you already knew.  God has a funny way of connecting people.  After all, He is still in the miracle business!

I loved Bruce Wilkinson’s latest book entitled “You Were Born For This: Seven Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles”.  In the book, Bruce describes how each of us was designed to be used by God to deliver miracles.  As each person prays and has needs, God is working in the background to find people who are willing and waiting to be used by God to answer prayers.  It’s mind boggling when you think about it:  God loves His children so much that he allows one person to bless another.   Not that we get the glory, but that we can use our time, talent, and treasures to help advance God’s good works.

Sometimes the miracles don’t come soon enough! In our “instant gratification” society, waiting feels like forever.  We can even feel neglected by God.  Why isn’t He answering my prayers?  Doesn’t He know the financial shape I’m in or where I am at?  I can’t handle it anymore…

God is constantly stretching us, molding us, and helping us to grow out of our comfort zone.  We are stuck between two worlds – heaven and earth. We currently are here on earth, but God is preparing us for the next life. Where is your focus?

Life’s emergencies

Our financial messes or life decisions often seem urgent and critical, but ask yourself this: will what I’m going through make a difference 1,000 years from now?  It doesn’t make it any less painful or any less difficult, but it does help you put things in perspective.    God is still there.  He is still sovereign and He still cares deeply for you.  You may be without work, without closure in your relationships, hurting financially, or without a clear plan or path, but know this:  His will for your life will become clearer as you focus more of your time and energy on what He has in store for you.

In times of uncertainty, I enjoy listening to a moving song from John Waller called “While I’m Waiting”.  The message is clear and dead on:  keep moving forward and your next chapter will be revealed!

“I’m waiting on You, Lord    
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait”