A Season of “Waiting”
Posted by Tia Ciferno and filed in Encouragement for Daily LivingI know so many who are in a waiting season in their lives. Most of us are waiting for the beautiful green of spring to bring warmth and color back into our days.
But some are waiting for other, more crtitical things. Some are waiting for clear direction from the Lord. Others are waiting for a health need to be met…or just for the pain to stop. Some are waiting for someone they love to come out of the dark.
Whatever it is you are waiting for, I have found these eight things to be so helpful in making those times not only less difficult but even precious.
1. Remember the many answers and resolutions God has given you in the past months. Write them down if you have to. You will be amazed as it becomes clear that God is active and working on your behalf. This gives me confidence to trust Him with the “unresolved.” And it creates something in me that is precious to the Lord: a grateful heart.
2. “When you can’t do what you want, do something else.” This was a quote that missionary Amy Carmichael called “our bright light in the harbor of life.” There is always something to keep us productive in our waiting times.
3. Ask God to shine a spotlight on your heart and let you know if this thing you’re waiting for is something you’ve made of more value than Him. Psalm 63 says “Because Your Love is better then life my lips will glorify You.” It’s so easy for me to let discontentment in; but my JOY should be complete in Him alone.
4. Ask forgiveness for any discontentment or worry. We were never meant to live with either when we are living in Christ. Sometimes there is a Divine Discontentment that can come when God is trying to get us to move into a new area. But to complain and worry…these are spiritual cancers.
5. Watch for every little lesson, every still small whisper while you’re in a waiting time. There are treasures hidden there. Not just for your own growth, but for OTHERS. You’ll need to be an encourager someday soon to someone in the same struggle. What will you have to give them? If you stay expectant, you will have discovered some priceless gems.
First: He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.
Next: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.
Then: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last: In His good time, He can bring me out again–how and when, He knows.
Say: I am HERE–By God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time. Andrew Murray
6. Remember His Promises for your future. Post the scriptures He gives you in the places you’ll notice…your desk, your kitchen sink, your car dashboard. Better yet, memorize some key verses that remind you of His Goodness and the perfection of His Plans.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
7. Listen to the Truth through music that strengthens your heart. Surrounding yourself with music can be one of the most wonderful ways of focusing your wandering thoughts from fretfulness to joy and peace in your waiting/trusting time.
8. Lastly, remember the Patience of our Lord…how long He waits for our attention, our fellowship. How long He waited for His people to turn to Him throughout scripture. We have a great Example.
Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee?
Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill;
Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?
Amy Carmichael
August 28th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Mrs. Ciferno..
What a blessing this page was to me, as I find that God wants me to “be still” and wait upon Him. I am going to print this and put it where I can read it each morning to remind me of the wonderful plan that Jesus has for all.
J. McClain
September 24th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Dear Jeff,
Yes, I also need reminded of these things daily. Glad you’re “echoing” this with me!
Thanks for your encouragement.
Your sister,
Tia