A season of wait

We are a part of a generation that is used to instant satisfaction. With modern technology we have a multitude of things instantly at our fingertips. The only waiting we really do, depends on our internet connection or wi-fi speed.

I haven't really existed too long in an era where people had to be more patient. We've always had an electric washer and dryer (although my mom did use a clothes line every once in a while.) We had a telephone, and sometimes cable TV. We had polaroid's and one hour photo.  We had processed foods, TV dinners, microwaveable everything, so waiting is something that has had to be extra learned, and is something I'm not necessarily good at.

God doesn't care how far technology has come. God doesn't care that we've become a society focused on instant satisfaction. God allows seasons of wait in our lives to teach us to depend on Him and not ourselves. We are refined during our wait.

Sometimes waiting brings out the worst in people. Think of long post-office lines at Christmas-time, or a more than 10 minute wait at your favorite restaurant during the dinner rush. Many people would rather leave, drive across town, and face another 20-30 minute wait to be seated, than to just endure the initial 10 minutes. Think of lines at the DMV, or the grocery store (warehouse stores always have long lines) people get antsy, impatient, sometimes rude because they've had to wait. Every once in a while you'll see the kind hearted person who says "go ahead of me, you seem in a hurry and I don't mind waiting." Those folks are like diamonds in the rough.

Do we give this same attitude to God when we don't feel like waiting on Him? Are we stomping our feet in protest because the line is long and our load is heavy? Do we skip on to the next "best thing" rather than waiting for what He has in store for us because the thought of waiting seems too much? Sometimes waiting is genuinely heartbreaking and enduring another moment of wait seems like it will literally break us into pieces.

I'm guilty of all of these reactions. There was a time in my life, even recently where I felt like "I can't even pray about this anymore. God, you know the deepest desire of my heart, I'm tired of waiting, I'm tired of talking to you about it, you know how I feel." What a horrible attitude to have. My attitude SHOULD have been "God, I will serve you while I wait. Maybe I'll do less talking and more listening while I wait."

Thankfully the Lord is merciful. Thankfully He is forgiving when my attitude is impatient and ugly. Thankfully He knows the deepest desires of my heart when the childish part of me starts giving Him the silent treatment.

The bible tells us we are going to go through seasons of wait, and tells us what to do about it.

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalms 27:14 NKJV)

Are you going through a season of wait? What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for physical healing? Are you waiting for Him to provide financially? Are you waiting for Him to provide a companion for you to share this life with? Are you waiting for a wayward child to come home? Are you waiting for healing in your marriage? Are you waiting for a baby? Are you waiting for direction? What are YOU waiting for? Have you poured your heart out to God? Are antsy while waiting for Him to respond? I pray that while you wait, you will be encouraged that the Lord is fully aware of your needs, and even your wants. He loves you, He cares about you, and He will take care of you in His perfect timing. I pray you will have the endurance to wait with a joyful heart.

I want to leave you with one last thing this week.  In 2008 the Kendrick Brothers released a movie called Fireproof.  The theme of the movie was based on marriage but there is a song in that movie by John Waller called "While I'm Waiting" and I think that song is perfect for any season of wait.

I found a clip of the song on YouTube and posted the link if you would like to listen to it.  The lyrics are very encouraging. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY

In His Love,

Rosalynn