“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation.  My God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Waiting

Waiting is hard—for all of us—in so many different types of situations. But I think it’s especially hard when there is some type of pain or suffering, and you’re waiting for relief. You’re waiting for something to change—hoping that the change will be positive.

I spoke with someone who works in a refugee camp. She said that the unending journey of waiting to see what the future holds is the hardest thing the refugees face. They’ve left everything. They don’t know what’s ahead. All they can do is wait.

I also read about someone who works with persecuted Christians. The hardest thing they face is not the intensity of the suffering, but the unknown duration. It’s easier to face things when you know a conclusion is coming. But when things go on and on—with no end in sight—that is almost unbearable.

I have found the “waiting” to see what’s going to happen on our unexpected journey has become a weight at times. Any conclusion would almost be better than the endless waiting. The waiting becomes a big part of the suffering.

When this begins to weigh on my heart, I find I have to be careful. I remind myself that God doesn’t waste any of our sorrows. The waiting isn’t wasted time. God is working. He has plans and purposes that we often don’t see or understand. IF only we could see from His perspective.

I often want to get this resolved and move on! But I have had to slow my heart, my thoughts, and my emotions down and relax in God’s plan. For me, this is where trust comes in! Do I really trust that God is at work? Do I really believe that He knows best? Am I really confident that He’s hearing our prayers—or even that our prayers are important? Yes, yes, and YES!

But I have to be willing to wait. And waiting is often hard work. Waiting changes us, prepares us for what’s ahead. God is usually not in a hurry. He has a timetable that’s different from ours. He uses the waiting in ways we can’t see.

–  He purifies our hearts in the waiting season.

–  He teaches us patience.

–  He builds our faith for what’s ahead, so that we are expectant.

–  He uses the time to build character and foundations in our life.

–  He draws us close to Him so that we are utterly dependent on Him.

As we wait, we can trust Him at deeper and deeper levels. We can look for the good in the waiting—His gifts to us. They are always there!

So many of the Bible characters had long waits until what God had spoken was fulfilled: Noah (120 years), Abraham (25 years), Moses (40 years), Jacob (20 years), Joseph (13 years), David (12 years), Jesus (30 years). Mary and Martha waited until they thought it was too late…and then Jesus did the unthinkable by raising Lazarus from the dead.

“No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3).

“Father, we know waiting on You is always worth it. Help us be patient for You to reveal and accomplish Your purposes. Amen.”