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Over the last few weeks, there has been one particular theme that has been resounding throughout my soul.
It isn’t a glamorous theme and it is often something we do because we are left with no other options…I am talking about “the wait”.
In our modern day lifestyle, waiting is something that we do not have to do often. Everything seems to be face paced and instantly gratifying. We have become so used to instant gratification that we have forgotten how to wait with grace.
We have become so used to instant gratification that we have forgotten how to wait with grace. Click To TweetI will be the first to say that I have been guilty of being an ungracious waiter.
Just recently, I was looking for a book online. I found the book I wanted, only to realize I would need to wait an entire week for the book to come in. A week was just too long, my friends. In a fit of (unnecessary) anxiety, I found the closest book store that had the book I was looking for. It was an hour away. An hour away! But I couldn’t wait an entire week…ohhh no, that was just unacceptable. So what did I do? I drove to go collect my little book so I could begin reading it as soon as I got home.
I know this is just a small example, but what happens when that book becomes a boyfriend, a husband, a child, a career, a calling, or a dream? What happens when the solution isn’t an hour drive or a quick fix? What if in our “instant age”, God has ordained a wait for us that is meant to prepare our hearts for all that He has for us and all the He desires to do through us?
I know that I don’t want to miss out on what would bring Him the most glory just because I refuse to wait.
5 Ways To Wait With Grace
1. Prepare
Out of all the things that I am going to say, I think this one is one of the most important. Sometimes, we begin to feel God call us to something long before He brings it about in our lives. It can take years or decades before God chooses to bring that calling to reality. So what should we do with during the days, weeks, and years between His pricking of our heart and making His calling a reality?
We prepare.
Cassidy, what do you mean “prepare”? Well, the example that instantly comes to my mind is that of a mother preparing for the birth of her child. When she finds out she is pregnant, she does all kinds of things to prepare for this little baby that is growing inside of her. She reads parenting books, talks to other mothers, decorates a nursery, stocks up on diapers and clothing. Then there are diet changes, doctors appointments, and vitamins. All of this is to ensure that whenever the baby is finally born, the mother is ready.
We should exercise the same kind of preparation in our Christian walk. This could be as simple as getting in the Word of God or developing a more disciplined prayer life. Or maybe He is calling you to something that requires a little more like going back to school, giving up a habit, moving to a new place, or changing careers. There is something we can be doing in our hearts and in our lives to prepare for all that God wants to do.
2. Get a Song
If you know me, you know that there are good majority of sentences that come out of my mouth in song form. I just love to sing. I love singing along at the top of my lungs watching musicals because, let’s face it, I really do burst out in song during random and mundane moments.
But what happens when life no longer feels like a disney movie and happy endings no longer seem to be real? Get a song. It doesn’t have to be one that you sing at the top of your lungs. Maybe you just sing it inside the depths of your soul, just between you and Jesus, whenever you feel discouraged or alone. Or maybe you write the lyrics down and put them on your mirror as a constant reminder. You could even take your favorite verse and make a song out of it. No matter what you do with your song, it isn’t about the singing. It’s about the constant reminder and anthem that points you right back to Jesus.
A verse that I really love is Psalm 101:1.
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.” Psalm 101:1 (ESV)
I love this reminder that even whenever everything gets hard and life becomes difficult, I will sing of His love forever.
3. Reflect On God’s Promises
If you head over to the book of Exodus, we are introduced to one of the names of God.
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah nissi:” Exodus 17:15 (KJV)
The name Jehovah Nissi means “The LORD my Banner”. To me, this is such a powerful thing. When we are in the middle of our battle, our struggles, and our difficulties, we can look up to the banner that is waving over us and remember whom we are fighting for. We can look to our Banner and remember all that He has done and all that He has promised to do.
In the middle of our wait, it can become discouraging when we have been preparing and singing our hearts out, but still do not see His plan unfolding. It is in moments like these that we need to remember who He is and all that He has promised to do. Here are just a few of His promises from scripture:
The LORD will fight for you. You need only be silent.” Exodus 14:14
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon Me.” 2 Corinthians 12 :9 (ESV)
By dwelling on Him and His promises, He gives us the strength and endurance we need to patiently and graciously wait on Him.
4. Commit To The Long Haul
I will be the first to raise my hand and testify that sometimes, the wait is a long one. For six years, I have struggled through a mysterious illness that causes me to collapse and leaves me with temporary paralysis in my arms and legs. With every passing doctor’s appointment, I am still left without answers. I had to come to a point in my life where I had to be okay with waiting for answers and healing, even if that meant waiting for the other side of eternity.
I eventually decided to worship in the long haul.
Worship in the long haul. Click To TweetCommitting to the long haul is a choice. It means choosing to worship and love Jesus even whenever you feel stuck in your wait. It means preparing and walking in faith as He leads you each and every day.
5. Do The Next Right Thing
This phrase comes right from my beautiful grandmother. As I was preparing for this post, I called her and asked what were some of the things she believed were important to do while we wait on God. The very first thing she said was “just do the next right thing”.
That almost seems too simple, doesn’t it?
For me, this can be such a hard thing to do. You see, I am a big picture kinda girl. I have no problem dreaming up big things and creating a detailed action plan on how to achieve the goal in a given time frame. However, when it comes down to following the Holy Spirit as He leads each and every day, I have some work to do. It’s easy for me to pray and ask God to show me what He wants from my life, but when the next morning comes, I struggle with listening to the Holy Spirit’s plan and will for me that day.
He has graciously been teaching my heart that sometimes, the small daily tasks are the exact things He uses to usher in His will and plan. During our wait, it is the “little” things that He uses to prepare our hearts and lives for what He wants to do.
Do not let your wait discourage you. Use this time to draw closer to Him and prepare your heart for all that He wants to do. He won’t let you down.
Here are some wonderful resources to help encourage you while you wait!
