Turning the Agony of Waiting into a Positive Thing
Outside the sun rays waft their way through the trees. Morning arrives with all the hope and promise of a new day. Yet, that is not the way I feel.
Sidelined with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgical recovery, I am sitting in my rocking chair, bundled in blankets…waiting and wondering – what does my future hold? I feel powerless and frustrated.
Rewind back a number of years and again I sit and wait – wondering when God will provide me with a job. Questions arise – why is employment so hard to find? Why does there have to be a recession now?
Let’s face it – if I think back on my life, I could give you multiple examples of times when I had extensive questions for God and His plan for me and I was sitting there waiting for answers. I am sure you can relate. So many times, life doesn’t make sense in our earthly vision. We question God and wonder if any answers will be forthcoming.
We are not alone in our questions. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk had lots for God. The people of Judah were drawing further and further away from God’s intention. Habakkuk wonders why God doesn’t appear to listen? Why wait to intervene? Habakkuk isn’t impressed with God’s methods or His timing.
The following verse is God’s response to Habakkuk’s laments.
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
God stretches him and asks Habakkuk to trust Him and wait. He is not ignoring Habakkuk’s queries or the needs of His people. God assures us by saying that He certainly will act.
What do we do when we are in that agonizing waiting zone?
We can turn it into a growing and restorative time. It is an opportunity to go deeper and draw closer to our Lord as we lean on Him. God’s Word is full of examples of His faithfulness and care. Soak in His Word and let it nourish and strengthen you.
When we have to slow down and wait, we are better able to listen. It is a time for close communion with our Lord where our prayer life can be strengthened. God will guide us if we are responsive and open to His direction.
Taking time to focus on God and His working in our lives helps lessen pain and anxiety. Laying our troubles into the hands of the only One who solves them brings us peace. Take hold of the fact that God does not leave us alone – ever.
Habakkuk concludes his book saying, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:18 (NIV)
Jesus’ mother Mary, echoes these words when she finds out she is carrying the Messiah. As she carried her unborn child in a time of uncertainty, fear could easily have taken hold.
But Mary knew what Habakkuk did – praising God drives out fear. She looks forward in hope during this waiting time, trusting God to keep His promises and keep to His plan.
In this Advent season of waiting, we look forward expectantly. We prepare our hearts for the coming of our Saviour – who gives the only hope that truly matters.
God uses these waiting journeys for our good. Trust, He will hold you close and look forward with hope.
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