What do you do when you're waiting?
Patience has never been my strong suit, and I hate to wait. But I don’t think I’m alone. When I look around, I see other people, just like me, frustrated by the waiting.
We tap our foot while waiting in line at the grocery store. We yell out in rage during rush hour traffic. We’re annoyed at the server when our food is late. At times, we snap at our children and relatives if they’re moving too slow.
We’re constantly looking at our watches, wishing time would go faster.
Waiting is hard
But worst of all is when you’re waiting for a miracle: When you’re hoping for a medical breakthrough; praying for financial freedom; or seeking reconciliation among family or friends.
Waiting is hard.
The Bible is also full of waiting. Noah waited for the flood waters to recede; Abraham waited for his promised son; Jacob waited for Rachel; Joseph waited in prison; the Israelites waited in the wilderness; Hannah waited for a child.
God works in the waiting
Those are only a few examples. The Bible is filled with people waiting for a miracle. The truth is God works in the waiting, and if we’re willing to look for the good and see how God is working, the waiting becomes a place of trust instead of fear.
John Piper wrote, “Waiting on the Lord is the opposite of running ahead of the Lord, and it’s the opposite of bailing out on the Lord. It’s staying at your appointed place while he says stay, or it’s going at his appointed pace while he says go. It’s not impetuous, and it’s not despairing.”
Waiting on God requires trust
Waiting is hard, but it can also be sweet.
If you find yourself in a time of waiting, ask God what truths he wants you to see. Use the time to seek out the good for God is always working in the waiting. We need only trust him.
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” – Psalm 27:13-14
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