In Seasons of Waiting

I avoided writing the blog post for this week.  I was overthinking and worrying that what I wrote or shared wouldn’t be good enough, that I would sound silly and then I’d be embarrassed and want to hide away from y’all. 😜 So, after a “million” ideas bounced around in my head, I decided to just sit down, pick an idea and start writing. I hope and pray that this encourages you, as it has encouraged me while I’ve been writing it.

“One day you’ll look back and see why God made you wait.”

When I first read this quote (from Pinterest, I think) I thought about it in the context of a relationship, probably because I was struggling with wanting that and trusting God's timing for it. Yet I think this can apply to any type of waiting season.

I don’t know everything about God’s sovereignty. It’s something that often confuses me because yes, He sees the future, but He also gives us free will. We can make our own choices, whether good or bad.

And then there are verses like, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Which makes me think that I can make a plan but if God wants me elsewhere, He will show me, even if it takes time for me to know where that place is. Similar to Abraham on his way to the promised land; he didn’t know exactly where God was leading him, but he trusted that God knew what He was doing.

Are there things in your life that you’re waiting for?

We pray (or forget to pray) about the desires of our hearts, and we can keep praying but sometimes it feels like God isn’t listening. What if He just has a different timeline than us?  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Maybe God actually does know what’s best for us. Maybe He sees that this waiting season we’re in is growing patience, resilience, and trust in Him. His plans, no matter what they look like from this side of Heaven, are greater than we could ever even begin to imagine. I want to learn to surrender my desires and open my heart to what He wants to teach me in this season of life.

When I look back on different areas that I’ve been confused at God about or didn’t understand what He was doing, I see that He has a beautiful way of working it all for my good. He works in a way where only He could get the glory, where only He can be the One who orchestrates everything so perfectly.

And so, in those moments where I wonder if even He can fix my problems or situations, I’m learning to take a breath and look back on His faithfulness to me, how His way has always been the best. It's painful sometimes, learning to release control. Even though we serve a God whose love for us is never-ending, who created us and knows our needs and desires even before we ask them.

 Here are a few practical things we can do in whatever waiting season we find ourselves in:

1.       What if we looked at this waiting season, not as a time when we’re wanting something we don’t have yet, but a time of growth or pruning?

2.       What if we used this time to seek God with all our heart, mind, and soul? Maybe the thing that we’re asking Him for (even a good thing) would keep us from fully seeking Him and His heart in this time of our lives.

3.       What if, as we pray and wait on His timing, we seek out other people to serve and bless?Maybe they’re in a waiting season too and need a little encouragement. Maybe they’re feeling lonely and need a friend.

What encourages you in waiting seasons? How can I be praying for you this week?

May God bless and keep you this week. 🫶🏼

Hannah