“Why do you think God gave you this specific timeline? Why 2 years?” The question made me pause as we talked about the work God is doing in my life. I took another sip of my coffee, then picked at the half-eaten bagel in front of me, stalling while I considered the question. Why this waiting period? I’m ready for a change, so why isn’t He getting me there now? Is there a purpose in the wait?
How often have your found yourself waiting? Waiting for that special someone to enter your life, for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, for a life together you so long for? Waiting for a baby when all your other friends are starting their families, but now you are caught up in the uncertain world of infertility? Waiting for that promotion, that next step in your career? Waiting for healing, for the long nights of grief to finally end, for the pain to subside and life to return to normal? Waiting to fulfill a calling God has placed on your heart, yet it seems impossible from your current circumstance? And the list continues…
I find it hard to wait, especially in our culture of immediate gratification. Restaurants that serve food within minutes of ordering, 2 day delivery on Amazon purchases (sometimes even same day!), instant internet access on the ever-present iPhone, all-electronic toll lanes on the highway so we never have to slow down. We are not a people who like to wait for anything!
Yet, the Bible is full of stories of waiting. Time and again, God takes a long-term vision to His promises, often involving long waiting periods for those to whom He has made promises. So, why this waiting? What is God’s purpose in making us wait?
When God asks you to wait, trust that He has a purpose!
These seasons of waiting do have purpose. To draw us nearer to God. To learn to rely on God’s power instead of our own. To believe in His promises for our lives. To prepare ourselves or to allow time for God to prepare others for our next step.
I knew the answer to the question why I have to wait two years. I’m not completely ready for the next step. I need this time for God to continue preparing my heart, to build the skills and confidence I need for what’s next and for God to align the pieces that will bring me to the next step. These two years are a gift of grace from God, an opportunity to stay in familiar turf for a little while longer while preparing for whatever is next.
The waiting period hasn’t always been so clear, though. Other seasons of waiting have felt more indefinite, less clear on the reasons for the wait. Such as waiting through years of infertility to start a family. Wondering why I had to endure that wait when it came so quickly for others. Yet, that waiting period became a pivotal moment in my faith journey.
So, what will I learn from this latest period of waiting? I don’t know yet, but as anxious as I am to get through the waiting and arrive at the next destination, I know the journey is important. The journey is where I’m learning and growing. The journey is developing me into who I need to be for the next destination.
There is purpose in God’s wait. That wait is where we grow, where we build character, where we draw closer to God, where we test our determination and faithfulness, where we become who God wants us to be.
What are you waiting on today? Can you see the purpose in your wait? Look closer. Trust there is purpose in the waiting and lean on that promise for more hope and patience as you journey on.
Linda@Creekside says
Yeah, Kathryn … those waiting room times are hard. We want answers, we want them now. And we’re not interested in the invitations that come from being forced to be still.
But that’s where we’re most likely to meet Him. Face to face …
Kathryn says
in the wait, that’s where we come to rely on Him the most – if only we can get past our frustrations at having to wait.
Valerie Sisco at Grace with Silk says
Kathryn,
I shared similar sentiments today at Holley’s link-up too! Love this message — waiting is so hard but so beautiful when we meet God there! Beautiful!
Kathryn says
LOVE your post! Love your point that God has us right where He wants us – even in the wait. Something I try to remind myself of when I’m frustrated – that I’m in this place right now for a some reason. I just need to be faithful to this time and place and trust that God will move me on when He’s ready.
sarahgirl3 says
It seems my relationship with God is the strongest during the waiting. We just need to learn along the journey!
Kathryn says
Me too! The waiting has been the hardest part of my faith journey (of life), but has also been where I’ve grown my faith the most! Coming to this realization that the journey is part of the process has really helped grow my patience too.
jandjcreative2013 says
I feel bad i was kind of waiting on motherhood and marriage, but im kind of not anymore. I dunno im sure God can do it for someone else, much more qualified then i. So im kind of waiting on God to come get me. Waiting for family to be saved and healing.
Kathryn says
Maybe God has a different plan for you in this season of life, maybe a different way of becoming a mom and a wife? I know the waiting is SO hard – when it seems the time is passing us by (i’m kind of living that one right now) – but I pray you’ll use this time to draw nearer to God and let Him guide you through. Saying a prayer for you in the waiting.
joanneviola says
Wonderful & wise post, Kathryn. Waiting is very hard. Yet even n the waiting, God is at work.
Lizzy says
I just feel the need to stand up and say a big AMEN!! Couldn’t agree with you more. Sometimes the waiting is hard. But there are lessons in it. And God is faithful!
Crystal Twaddell says
Yes, Kathryn, there is such purpose in the wait! My greatest growth takes place when I embrace the wait. This is such true encouragement, and words to remind us through each and every wait, because it is easy to forget. Dropping in from #TellHisStory. Thanks for this!
mariewikle says
Waiting is super hard! Hate being there but I always remind myself and others that Time spent waiting on the Lord is never wasted!
hugs
@spreadingJOY
Marie