In case you missed the title of this blog, let me repeat it to you for some context: I HATE WAITING!
As I am in the middle of unpacking all of my items in my new house, all I can think about is how I want to be done and I want it to look good. It’s like that feeling before Christmas when all the presents are there but you can’t open them yet, yeah, that’s the worst. Or like when you take a test and have to wait several days, or worse, weeks, before your teacher grades it, I hate that. That week after you get your wisdom teeth out and can only eat mushy food, and at those moments, crunchy Doritos have NEVER sounded so good, and you just have to WAIT until your mouth is healed enough to eat them… Or when your sister-in-law is pregnant and you have to wait 9 whole months before you can meet the baby!! Or when you apply for a job or college and have to wait for a response.
All throughout life there are things we need to wait for; this list is just scraping the surface. And if you’re anything like me, those times of waiting may feel excruciatingly long and often unenjoyable. Unenjoyable because often waiting is met with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, discomfort, etc..
I am a pretty active person. I hate not doing anything. In school, I always kept busy. I did things I didn’t even like just so I could be doing something with people that I liked. So when God calls me to wait, I am stopped dead in my tracks. I hate waiting, I run away from that feeling.
The reality is, we are all waiting. The question is, how are you waiting? Whether you are waiting for a shot at the doctors, or a spouse in your life, or a job, or whatever it may be, how are you waiting? Are you waiting in faith, knowing that this is a time to lean on and trust the Lord? Are you waiting in anxiety, fearing all the ways things could go wrong? Maybe you are waiting in doubt, doubt of whether anything will happen or doubt of whether God is really there or cares?
Waiting is something God calls us to. While we are here on earth, we are surrounded by sin and shame and brokenness, but God has promised those who love him a place with no more fear, no more shame, no more sin, and no more pain. We are here glorifying his name and singing his praise, but all the while we are awaiting his presence, his full and complete presence, untainted by sin or doubt or shame. We await a place where we are complete, a place where we are finally home.
This is why it is important how we wait, because how we wait determines how we live.
So as I sit here and wait for my world race trip to begin, having thoughts of missing my family and best friends in my mind, it matters how I wait. Often I can get so caught up in what I’m waiting for I forget to enjoy what is occurring around me. I am going to enjoy the next few weeks I have with family as I await my trip. I am going to be intentional and open as I am on my trip, awaiting reunions with friends and family. For all the waiting I do, on the race and in life, may I do it in faith.
Whether you are waiting for a spouse, a child, a paycheck, a birthday gift, a sandwich, whatever it may be, WAIT WELL. Wait in FAITH, with the assurance that God is working, and as you await something, be aware of what is around you and how you can be present with the circumstances God has blessed you with. God is in the waiting, he is near, and he has a plan, even though you may not see it.
God, help us to wait in faith. Give us your peace when we are tempted to be anxious and your presence when we are near doubt. Help us to always walk in the assurance of your love and goodness. Amen.
PS: I leave for Draganesti Olt, Romania in 11 days!
WHAT?
I know I know, I’m shocked too! Pray’s appreciated!
