Have you ever wanted something so badly that you can taste it? So much so that it fills your imagination during the day and your dreams at night? Have you ever been able to see the path that brought you to this place but been unable to see the path that will take you from point A to point B? Have you ever sat at a computer crying because you want so badly to express yourself but the words just . . . won’t . . . come? Have you ever cried out to God – over and over again – and that still, quiet voice simply keeps saying “wait?”
Psalm 130:5 says, “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” As I struggle, and resist, and try to speed up the waiting period that God has placed me in I find myself searching for answers in scripture. Perhaps God asks us to wait so we will seek Him more intently. Maybe He wants us to develop a deeper relationship with Him before He lights up the path that will take us from point A to point B.
If you are waiting right now Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “. . . they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Part of waiting on the Lord renews our strength and better equips us for what lies ahead.
Whatever you are waiting for – a new or different job, a spouse with which to share your life, a new home, a child to call your own, a cure from an illness, an answer to a prayer, a fulfillment of your heart’s desire – have courage. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” Allow God to work your circumstances to His glory during this difficult time. Seek God’s counsel and ask Him what he wants you to learn while you are waiting.
Talk to trusted friends who may be able to discern something you are not. In my situation, I really began to question my call to ministry as the speaking opportunities suddenly ceased. It took the wise counsel of my friends and family to help me see that part of this waiting period for me was to shift more time and attention to learning through conferences, other speakers, taking a class and digging deeper into God’s word. Speaking less has allowed me more time to write and develop an online presence. In the wait God has graciously connected me with my tribe – others with a similar call to speak and write. He has given me a thirst for His word and cleared the time in which to meet with Him each day and study scripture.
David wrote in Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” Praying patience for you dear friend as you wait on the Lord. Knowing that He is listening and that He hears your cry. Trusting that God has a reason for asking you to wait.