Waiting is one of those things we do so often that we don’t really acknowledge it in a positive way. Sometimes it even causes anxiety because the suspense of it all just overwhelms us. Whether we are waiting in line for food, or sitting in Atlanta traffic impatiently waiting for someone that is nice enough to let you over it isn’t something we do with patience. It often causes anger, frustration, and impulsivity. But how do we act when we are waiting on God to answer a prayer or fulfill a promise?
Patience is something I have a difficult time with, and I know that I’m not the only one that suffers from impatience. When I want something I usually want it at that moment. Sometimes I get frustrated or annoyed because I’ve been waiting “too long”, which in reality probably isn’t even that long.
Something I’ve come to realize while waiting for the training camp or launch is that we have to be still and look for the Lord in this time. It is so important to focus on the Lord and what He is doing right in front of us as opposed to focusing on how many days are left. This is when He is doing so much work within us that we don’t even realize. How cool is that? Our God is never finished working within us.
While we were at training camp one of the worship songs that really impacted me says, “Take courage my heart, Stay steadfast my soul, He’s in the waiting.” Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve been saying the phrase “He’s in the waiting” to myself when I find that I am being impatient-especially when I stop being present. This impatience that takes place displays a lack of trust in the Lord. It displays a want to be in control when in reality I am not in control- it’s not my job to be.
So why is it that we have to have things immediately? What is so bad about waiting? Why are we in such a hurry for everything? Why is it so hard for us to take the time to wait and rest in it? Often when we are waiting we turn to technology, which I have found makes me even more impatient. We have become so accustomed to having things reach this little screen so instantaneously that we expect real life to happen exactly like that.
The book of Isaiah talks about the Lord showing mercy to Israel and verse 18 states, “Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. Happy are all who wait patiently for Him.” Even God waits, friends. Most of the time the result of waiting is positive, especially if we are waiting on the Lord. He knows what’s best for us, but we usually have to wait for it.
When has God ever let you down?
