Ahhhhh….waiting.  We love it, don’t we?  I mean who doesn’t love standing in the grocery line with only a jug of milk behind a person with a full cart and a handful of coupons!  Or how about, the 2-hr wait at an amusement park in the hottest part of the day for a 3 minute thrill?  Better yet, behind someone in line at a fast food joint that waits until they get to the counter to begin to decide what they want to eat!  Oh the frustration!  We live in such a fast-paced society with instant access and satisfaction guarantees that most of us haven’t learned the benefits of “waiting.”

As a child, I remember when we would get a Sears Wish Book in the mail a few MONTHS before Christmas.  I’d flip to the back 50 pages or so and begin circling with a ballpoint pen the toys that I hoped to receive when Christmas came.  I made sure those circles were well defined and even turned down the pages to mark them so my parents would see.  I would dream, wish, and hope that Christmas would be everything my little heart desired!  Oh the anticipation!  The dreaming!  Sometimes I would pull the catalog back out to look at the pictures and read the descriptions again and again.  I would practically memorize my Christmas list in case my grandparents asked me what I wanted.  Oh the waiting!

Fast forward to my 20s when all of my friends were marrying.  Of course, I wanted a husband too!  I remember making a list of characteristics that I desired in my future hubby.  I would pray, go on dates, and pray some more!  Oh the wonder, the longing!  I resolved to prepare myself physically, spiritually, and financially for the day when my prayers would be answered, but until then…the waiting!  Little did I realize at the time, but during this season, I developed talents and gifts to be used in service for God; established a solid, confident identity; and really flourished in my relationship with God.  It was all part of His plan for that season of my life.

Now I find myself in the middle of yet another season of waiting.  Maybe you do too.  I know God has purpose, and He’s doing things in me that I’ll later look back and see.  God is more concerned with who we’re becoming than our destination.  He just wants us to surrender to His process.  He’s making us men and women of character.  He’s making us look more and more like Jesus.  Every time we’re waiting, He’s working.  Wow, the Great Artist sees our potential, and He’s working to make something beautiful out of each of our lives.  And, our God is faithful to complete His work.  In time, He’ll reveal what’s to come.

In the waiting, we must be expectant, patient, and full of hope!  We must remain confident that Daddy God always has our best interest in mind and is working all things to our good because we do love him so!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

God sees the whole timeline of our lives, and He’ll get us where we’re going.  Let’s keep our eyes on Him and enjoy the journey.  We can trust Him and His process.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

He’s in the waiting…

For a great worship song on this topic, check out “Take Courage.”