In our modern world of convenience and instant gratification, the concept of waiting has become foreign, undervalued, and frustrating. However, many scriptures and biblical examples illustrate how we, as Christians, are called to wait on God. In today's blog post, I want to share a few lessons I've learned during my waiting season that I believe will bless you.
Seeing the Waiting Season as an Opportunity
The most crucial lesson the Holy Spirit has revealed to me about a waiting season is that it is an opportunity. God has a purpose and plan for each of us. During your waiting season, He is secretly working within your hearts in ways you can't see or don't understand.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
When you exit your waiting season, you will likely experience trials and tribulations. These trials will help you appreciate the transformation God performed within your hearts during the waiting period. Consider David before he wore his crown; he was a shepherd, harp player, and soldier.
Do you think it was easy for him to play the harp for Saul, knowing that Samuel had anointed him king? I'm sure there were days he wanted to take his rightful place, but it wasn't his time yet. God was still working within his heart, preparing him to be the humble king, the man after God's own heart, whose bloodline would reign forever through Christ Jesus.
Learning to Trust God
During your waiting season, you must choose whether or not to trust God. Ultimately, the choice is yours. God will not step down from His throne simply because you refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
He did not cease being God simply because you didn't receive what you wanted when you wanted it. I am often reminded of my children's favorite phrase, "How dare you?"
- How dare you not trust God after all He has brought you through?
- How dare you not give your worries, fears, and anxiety to God?
- How dare you try to dethrone God and attempt to conquer life on your own, which you are not capable of?
- How dare you create a false idol of what you are believing God for and give God an ultimatum if He doesn't deliver?
I could go on, but you get my point. God is still God, no matter how long you have to wait, and even if you never receive what you are waiting for. His reign will continue. So, instead of demanding, you need surrender your desires and ask that He replace them with His will.
Connecting with God During the Waiting Season
Bestie, I promise you, I did not reach this place overnight. If I'm being honest, my waiting season has lasted longer than I imagined. But I see the many things God has taught me, healed me from, and transformed in my life.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
My deepest prayer for you is that the wait will help you learn to stay seated at the feet of Jesus. Sometimes you will be at His feet smiling, sometimes crying, and other days indifferent. But your heart posture remains the same: determined to stay in a relationship with your Abba Father.
Waiting will transform you if you allow it and prayer will become a lifestyle. I am continually in prayer, whether it is for myself, others, or our fallen world. Prayer is your opportunity to connect with God. Although you likely don't enjoy waiting, don't allow this wait to cause you to disconnect from God. Instead, spend more time in prayer, meditating on His word, and worshiping Him.
10 Bible Verses to Embracing during Your Waiting Season
- Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14
- But 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. Isaiah 40:31
- Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7
- I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Psalm 130:5
- For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
- For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. Psalm 62:5
- The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25
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Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
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But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25
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And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Encouraging Resources to Navigate Your Waiting Season
We could not close out this article without sharing additional encouragement to help equip you as you navigate your season of waiting. Although I don't know what you are waiting on God for, I do know these words of encouragement will help you hold on to God's promises as you wait expectantly for our Heavenly Father.
