Is It Possible To Wait Patiently?

Photo: R.A. Navarrete

Are you good at waiting--especially waiting for big things in life like finishing a degree, getting married, having a baby, meeting a grandchild, finding a new job, a special event, overcoming an illness? The uncertainty of waiting has always been a struggle for me, whether it was not knowing when I was going to be engaged or not knowing if/when I would be able to get pregnant or not knowing when the babies would be born or not knowing if/when this house will sell.

Right now, my home situation is uncertain because it is for sale. It could possibly sell this week or a year from now. We are simply waiting. Everything is in limbo, such as where the kids will go to school, who our neighbors will be, how long our commutes to work will be. Understandably, this is a cause of some anxiety, whether or not it is displayed outwardly. I am too busy to think about it all the time, but it is definitely in the back of my mind. What are you currently waiting for? And what should we do while we are waiting?

"Be still and wait on the Lord." -Psalm 37:7

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. The Lord knows you need these things...If He knows how to clothe the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air, how much more will He take care of you? Are you not more valuable than flowers and birds?" -Matthew 6

"But those who wait on the Lord will rise up on wings like eagles. They will walk and not be weary. They will not grow faint." -Isaiah 40:31

Trust God. God is good. God loves you. He is trustworthy. He is working during this time! "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6

"Cast all your anxieties on the LORD, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).  Pray and talk to Him as often as needed about what you are waiting and hoping for.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Be content with whatever situation you are in. God does not put you in a situation of waiting in order to waste that time. There is a purpose in that time, so work for the Lord! Serve Him. Live like today is your last. Enjoy today. Enjoy all the wonderful things you have currently. Learn to be happy with what you have now. If you are not happy now, you will not be happy even when you get what you are waiting for. Contentment is a godly character trait. Work to develop that trait now because waiting is a big part of this life.

Wait on God more than waiting on things or people. God is the only one that will truly satisfy all your needs, wants and longings. He knows what you need. He loves you. He created you with those desires and hopes. You are made in His image. Spend time talking to Him about the things/people/experiences you are waiting for. Draw near to Him during this time. The times of waiting have been the hardest times for me emotionally in my life. I even got depressed during some of these times. But in those low moments, God carried me. He got me out of bed when I wanted to sleep all day. He hugged me when I was sad and lonely. He carried me out of the house in order to "move--keep walking" (Toby Mac).

So let's learn how to wait better! I always tell my kids: "life will be better for you if you learn to cooperate." Maybe God is telling us: "life will be better for you if you learn to cooperate with Me during the times of waiting."