Waiting.
I don't know about you, but I feel like I spend a lot of time waiting. Whether that be waiting on an answer, waiting on a friend or coworker, waiting on my dinner to be ready, waiting to get to my desired destination, waiting for the Coronavirus to be gone, waiting to fellowship with my friends in a group again, and the list could go on and on.
Waiting: the thing we least like doing because it requires patience, perseverance, and steadfastness. It requires us to release control and let whatever process is necessary to take place so we can achieve the desired outcome. Or any simply any outcome, for that matter.
We like (LOVE) instant gratification, but life and circumstances rarely gives it to us. Yes, with technology and fast food, we can somewhat get the instant gratification we want, but even those things fail us when they do not work, are closed, or the food we receive is the wrong order. It is in those moments where we can clearly see our disinterest in waiting.
However, sometimes the waiting can feel good, and we actually appreciate it. I think we enjoy the waiting when we truly believe and realize that the wait is for our good - when it benefits us to wait. Nonetheless, we are still waiting.
Here's the thing, waiting is inevitable.
So, how we wait is crucial.
Our response to the waiting will make or break us. We will either be filled with hope, rest, and peace, OR we will be filled with anxiety, anger, and confusion. We will either walk in grace, forgiveness, and patience, OR we will be filled of frustration, bitterness, and chaos.
Not only is each of us affected by our response to waiting, but so are those with whom we come into contact.
A question I like to ask myself often is, what am I communicating to those around me? What kind of atmosphere am I creating? Am I giving out anxiety, chaos, frustration, OR am I giving out hope, joy, love, and peace? Am I offering what the world offers or what Jesus offers?
As followers of Christ, we are called to be holy as He is holy. Holy is a term that means "set apart" (1 Peter 1:15-16). If we have a relationship with God, then we know this earth is not our home. We are aliens to this world. We are sojourners (people passing through). Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). Which means... we are WAITING. We are waiting to go home... to our true and eternal home.
Waiting, truly, is a beautiful thing. It teaches us, challenges us, and refines us. It is something God uses to make us more like Christ. It prepares us for the day when we will be home with our Father, King, and Lord. It is in the waiting where our strength is renewed and our identity takes root. It is a time when we are forced to release control and let the process take its full effect, no matter what it looks like or how long it takes.
Here's the catch, though, if we do not keep the mindset and focus that this place is not our home and cling to the truth of who God is and what His character is, there is no way we can enjoy the waiting process and/or wait well. In this world we will have trials of various kinds, but we are called to rejoice in them, trusting that it's in the trials that the true genuineness of our faith is tested and developed (1 Peter 1:6-7).
So, to conclude this thought, waiting is inevitable. And in reality, some days we are going to "get it" better than others, as far as how we respond to it. The main point/question I want to leave you with, though, is where are you placing your focus? Are you heavily focusing on the thing/person/situation in which you are waiting, or are you focusing on the goodness and character of God? When we lose sight of the Source of our peace, hope, patience, love, grace, forgiveness, security, stability, refuge, etc, then we miss the moment. We miss God in that moment. We miss out on what He is trying to reveal to us about Himself. We miss out on simply dwelling in His presence and giving Him praise. We miss out on enjoying the process with Him.
As I mentioned earlier, when we are able to see that waiting is good for us and benefits us, we are able to enjoy it. So, if we truly believe that God is good, sovereign, faithful, and mighty, along with the truth that He works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and walk according to His purposes (Romans 8:28), then we are able to rest in His presence. We are able to enjoy the waiting and know that no matter what the outcome, God has our best interest at heart, He is with us, and He cares deeply for us.
So, what is it today that you are waiting on? What situations do you need God to move in? What answers are you waiting for? Little or big. Just think and and answer honestly. Instead of looking at it with concern, frustration, confusion, anger, etc, ask God to help you focus your attention on what He is doing in you and what He is trying to teach and show you. Ask Him to help you see where He is in it and what characteristics He is trying to make known to you. Make your requests and concerns known to God because He cares about you, and then simply rest and enjoy the process.
God is doing big things ALWAYS... greater than anything we could think, ask, or imagine, even in the things we do not understand. No matter what our perspective of the situation is, He just wants us to enjoy the process and not miss out on the moment at hand. He has already prepared good works for each of us for each day and moment He has given us (Ephesians 2:10). May we not miss out on those opportunities because we are distracted with the messiness and chaos this world throws at us. God offers us SO MUCH MORE.
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2
Soli Deo gloria.