Waiting. It's something we all have to do. In fact, if we stop and think about it, the vast majority of our life is spent in one season of waiting or another. If we are not intentional, we can become so focused on what we are waiting for, that we miss the gift of the season we are in.
I first identified the need to embrace the wait while we were in the process of our first adoption. The wait to bring our son home was long - and hard - but oh so worth it. And one of the many things the Lord taught me during that wait was that living a life of perpetual longing could distract from the beauty of each moment.
God began to show me practical ways I could steward time well - ways I could be purposeful and cherish these seasons of waiting as the gift from God that they are! As He always is, His instruction was gracious and full of truth and love. Last year, I released my first book, Don't Waste Your Wait: Embracing the Journey of Bringing Your Child Home. In it, I share some of our journey, and the things God taught us along the way. Today, I'm tackling 4 practical ways we can stewards the gift of time well - especially in seasons of waiting! pray.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6&7
Anxiousness robs us of the ability to see the blessings around us. When we are anxiously awaiting the answer to a prayer, or the fulfillment of a promise from God, we are exchanging His perfect peace for the chaos of anxiety.
When we press in with prayers and petitions, we are choosing to embrace His peace - despite not having the answers yet. It is imperative to note that praying is not simply listing our complaints to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is bringing a burden before the throne - and leaving it there. seek God.You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
Friend, if there is one thing I want you to take away from this it's that we cannot become so in love with the dream that we lose sight of the dream Giver. When we worship His plans for us, they become idols instead of gifts.
hope.We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19&20
How can we hope when the answer for our prayers seems far off? How can we hope when we have waited for months, years, even decades for the fulfillment of a promise from God? By placing our hope in God Himself, instead of the answers and promises we are awaiting. The hope that anchors our very souls is unwavering, because it is placed in a Savior who is interceding on our behalf.
prepare.The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5
While we don't wallow in our wait, we can prepare for the promise ahead. The Word of God is full of encouragement to not lose heart, and continue doing good! Perhaps your preparation includes research, training, seeking wise counsel, preparing physical space, making adjustments to your schedule - whatever the case is, remember to work diligently, as unto God! Being diligent to prepare is a sign, and a strengthening, of our faith. (click to tweet!)
What are you waiting for? What encouragement could you offer someone in the midst of waiting? Do you feel like you are embracing your season of waiting, or fighting against it?
12 Comments
2/13/2018 08:25:48 am
We experienced a four year wait while dealing with infertility before our first. Now we have four, and they are relatively close together! It has firmly cemented to me that God is in control and there are reasons for His plan that we do not understand or may never understand. I do know that our trials are for our sanctification and for the sake of our future testimonies. For our good and the good of others! It's always amazing to look back and see the moments where we felt like things were completely out of of control, He was there all along. The stories He writes are far better than anything we could ask or imagine! And yes, suffering is often part of the process of beauty, but He is faithful to redeem even our deepest pains! 2/14/2018 12:46:45 pm
Loved this article, especially your focus on hope. So very true! Thank you for helping us wait well. Blessings! 2/14/2018 11:02:31 pm
Our ability to wait and wait well is tested and refined during the adoption process, for sure! I remember it clearly and as I look back, I see how God was preparing me to wait well in preparation of the future. You give such great advice here. My head nodded again and again in agreement! Thank you for sharing this hope with us at #MomentsofHope! Oh yes! For sure, preparing. I think, actually, that's my default! I have to make a conscious effort to not get hung up there, either! If we are believing God for an answer to something - anything - then we should be open to the leading of Holy Spirit to take whatever step He wants us to! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Hi there!Adventures in faith, family, adoption, homeschooling, and training up a tribe to follow hard after Jesus are spilled into these posts --- most often written with a cup of coffee in hand. I hope you'll stick around a while and find something that brings you hope! get your copy of my book today!how i keep up!
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
