There's Worth in the Waiting
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you face trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
- James 1:2-4
Waiting seems like a trial sometimes, doesn't it? A test of perseverance and steadfastness of our faith in the Lord.
The natural tendency is to clamor for control, or some semblance of it. Whether that's through working to control every other aspect of life or, if you're like me, striving to gain as much information on the issue at hand, in an attempt to achieve better understanding and make sense of the waiting.
We want answers and we want them now! In a culture of immediate gratification, it seems we have lost the art of patiently enduring the "wait", which is to our disadvantage. Recently, I have read a couple of books that talk about endurance, and slowing things down. It seems like every time I turn around, I am learning something new about enduring, waiting, and persevering. Some learning has come through reading, some through circumstances, and some through what I have perceived as a gift from the Lord. Usually, for our family, the winter season includes ball practice and games as well as a week long Christmas trip. Both of these things are enjoyable for sure, however it does make for an even crazier holiday season. This year we somehow skipped playing winter sports, and welcomed a new baby into the family (I'm a proud aunt!) which changed our plans and allowed for our family to slow down and really have an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season in a new way and experience a season of true advent. I was surprised at how much I had both needed and enjoyed that season of rest. It was also a season of waiting. Waiting for opportunities, waiting on a baby, and also unexpected circumstances left us waiting on the healing of a family member.
I would dare to say that I am not the only one who is experiencing a time of waiting, and struggling to determine how to wait well. We all experience waiting in its various forms in different seasons of life. For some, it is waiting with a sense of excitement and for others it may be waiting that is filled with dread and sorrow. Whatever kind of waiting you are experiencing, we all must remind ourselves of the sanctifying art of waiting. God's people over the years have endured much waiting and we are still waiting for the return of our Savior. We sit in the "already, but not yet". The kingdom of God has come, is here, and is coming. So as His people, shouldn't we be the model of good waiting. Expectant waiting. But how do we do this? How do we wait well?
We must learn to trust in the Lord. When we trust in Him, although we can't always see the purpose in the waiting, we know that He is in control and He is working. Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
How can we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him? We must take time to know Him. Learning to take time out of our day, whether it's 5 minutes or 30 minutes, helps to re-center our focus on the Lord and off of ourselves and our circumstances. I think sometimes we put expectations on what our time should look like and then feel guilty when we can't spend a full 30 minutes of uninterrupted time every single morning. Some mornings I have a little buddy with me. Some mornings the 20-30 minutes ends up only lasting 5. The truth is that any time you spend in prayer or Bible reading is valuable. I want to share an excerpt from Jen Wilkin's book Women of the Word that was freeing to me when I first read it:
If life stage is making it difficult for you to set aside regular time for study--either with a group or in your own personal efforts, please hear me say this: That's okay. Give the Lord what you can and trust that he will honor your faithfulness in the small things. Trust that the Lord knows your circumstances better than you do and that he sees your desire to learn and grow. And trust that those times are being used to mature you -- to teach you that it is a privilege to be able to devote yourself to learning and studying, and to write more deeply on your heart the truths you have already learned.
As we recover from the busy holiday season and begin striving with new resolutions, what better way to start a fresh new year than learning to rest daily in the presence of God. Learn to trust Him as you wait for the current season to end or the next one to begin. Lean into His wisdom and truth so that you can stand firm no matter what this year holds. Count it joy in the trials and waiting. Joy, not in the suffering itself, but in the promise that waits on the other side of it...More of Jesus!
- James 1:2-4
Waiting seems like a trial sometimes, doesn't it? A test of perseverance and steadfastness of our faith in the Lord.
The natural tendency is to clamor for control, or some semblance of it. Whether that's through working to control every other aspect of life or, if you're like me, striving to gain as much information on the issue at hand, in an attempt to achieve better understanding and make sense of the waiting.
We want answers and we want them now! In a culture of immediate gratification, it seems we have lost the art of patiently enduring the "wait", which is to our disadvantage. Recently, I have read a couple of books that talk about endurance, and slowing things down. It seems like every time I turn around, I am learning something new about enduring, waiting, and persevering. Some learning has come through reading, some through circumstances, and some through what I have perceived as a gift from the Lord. Usually, for our family, the winter season includes ball practice and games as well as a week long Christmas trip. Both of these things are enjoyable for sure, however it does make for an even crazier holiday season. This year we somehow skipped playing winter sports, and welcomed a new baby into the family (I'm a proud aunt!) which changed our plans and allowed for our family to slow down and really have an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season in a new way and experience a season of true advent. I was surprised at how much I had both needed and enjoyed that season of rest. It was also a season of waiting. Waiting for opportunities, waiting on a baby, and also unexpected circumstances left us waiting on the healing of a family member.
I would dare to say that I am not the only one who is experiencing a time of waiting, and struggling to determine how to wait well. We all experience waiting in its various forms in different seasons of life. For some, it is waiting with a sense of excitement and for others it may be waiting that is filled with dread and sorrow. Whatever kind of waiting you are experiencing, we all must remind ourselves of the sanctifying art of waiting. God's people over the years have endured much waiting and we are still waiting for the return of our Savior. We sit in the "already, but not yet". The kingdom of God has come, is here, and is coming. So as His people, shouldn't we be the model of good waiting. Expectant waiting. But how do we do this? How do we wait well?
We must learn to trust in the Lord. When we trust in Him, although we can't always see the purpose in the waiting, we know that He is in control and He is working. Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
How can we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him? We must take time to know Him. Learning to take time out of our day, whether it's 5 minutes or 30 minutes, helps to re-center our focus on the Lord and off of ourselves and our circumstances. I think sometimes we put expectations on what our time should look like and then feel guilty when we can't spend a full 30 minutes of uninterrupted time every single morning. Some mornings I have a little buddy with me. Some mornings the 20-30 minutes ends up only lasting 5. The truth is that any time you spend in prayer or Bible reading is valuable. I want to share an excerpt from Jen Wilkin's book Women of the Word that was freeing to me when I first read it:
If life stage is making it difficult for you to set aside regular time for study--either with a group or in your own personal efforts, please hear me say this: That's okay. Give the Lord what you can and trust that he will honor your faithfulness in the small things. Trust that the Lord knows your circumstances better than you do and that he sees your desire to learn and grow. And trust that those times are being used to mature you -- to teach you that it is a privilege to be able to devote yourself to learning and studying, and to write more deeply on your heart the truths you have already learned.
As we recover from the busy holiday season and begin striving with new resolutions, what better way to start a fresh new year than learning to rest daily in the presence of God. Learn to trust Him as you wait for the current season to end or the next one to begin. Lean into His wisdom and truth so that you can stand firm no matter what this year holds. Count it joy in the trials and waiting. Joy, not in the suffering itself, but in the promise that waits on the other side of it...More of Jesus!
But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will
be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8
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