Embrace the Waiting
What season are you in? What season do you wish you were in? What season did you come from? What are you forgetting to be thankful? What is stealing your joy from embracing the good in this season?
These are the questions I am processing because in every season there is waiting. In every season there will be feelings and circumstances that the enemy points to that are not the truth. This is when the rubber hits the road and life can seam so difficult.
Over the last year of traveling, constantly moving, and embracing the difficulty of culture and change, I never thought it would be so difficult to stay in one place for 2 months now. I have felt weird, up and down, realizing the fact that this is my life and God has me here – Bismarck, ND of all places. I have struggled with the lies of my past from this American culture which we live in and wow are they strong.
Some of the lies I faced recently are: Because its available, you should have it; Because there is pain, lets cover it up (pain killers, caffeine, alcohol, etc); Because you have the freedom believe what you want, that makes it true; Because I have time, I need to fill it with doing something; Because I am here in America, I am entitled to comfort. The list can go on an on, yet we have to notice it before we do something about it. As my squad mentor Ben always said, “once you are knowledgeable then you are responsible.”
Now the truth of that is because its available does not mean its good for me and that I should have it. Because there is pain its time to get vulnerable, ask for help, and address the real problem and not cover it up. Because we have the freedom to believe whatever we want doesn’t make any of it true- Truth is solely based off of the what the creator of truth says and that creator is Jesus who is the way the TRUTH and the life (John 14:6). And because we simply have time, does not mean we have to do anything we can just be with GOD. Simply sitting at His feet like Mary and listening to what He has for us and what He wants us to do. And comfort is a privilege and God is my comfort.
The last two weeks I have experienced these feelings of rejection, worthlessness, weakness, heartache, fear, hopelessness, and loneliness. Why? Why would these things happen to a normal person who has a great job, an incredible family, a church family, and a God given purpose? Simply put, because I am human and there is an attack on my identity. Circumstances happen and feelings seem so real and it all can happen from something so small. However, these events don’t dictate who God says I am.
See God says:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“I determine your worth. You are a Child of God.”
“In your weakness I am strong.”
“I am close to the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.”
“Do not be afraid for I am with you wherever you go.”
“I know the plans I have for you… for a hope and a future.”
“I am always with you even to the end of the age.”
Standing on truth and believing this truth even when feeling down and discouraged is the key to embracing the life of joy that God has for us. This abundantly life is so much greater because its not based on circumstances or feeling but on truth and what the LORD is saying to us and that is why we can have joy!
So what about the waiting? What about the times when there seems like there is no hope?
Recently my brother Micah got released from a junior hockey team in Minnesota. Not knowing where he is to go he simply knew that his calling is to play hockey. After two weeks of faithfully praying and feeling the emotions of hopelessness and unknown God opened a door. It was a test of faith and a draw to the heart back to God. As a result, faith is increased, God is glorified, and a deeper sense of love, respect and trust for the Lord is deepened.
In the waiting, will we embrace the Kingdom like it is here now? Will we embrace the hopeless circumstance and speak hope? Will we grasp the peace before we see the end of the storm?
Our hearts are always going to be tested, but know the Lord is always faithful and it will result in a depth of love and trust for the Lord. In the waiting is where we grow. In the waiting is where we have the opportunity to experience God come with a breakthrough. In the waiting is where we grow in endurance and faith. In the waiting is when we will embrace God as our true satisfaction and delight.
Embrace the waiting!
