The Unwelcome Gift of Waiting: How to Wait Well and Trust in God's Plan

The Unwelcome Gift of Waiting

Waiting can be one of the most challenging things we go through in life. It is often accompanied by uncertainty, anxiety, and even fear. Waiting requires patience and trust, two qualities that are not always easy to come by.

As Christians, we are called to wait on the Lord. We are to trust in Him, even when we don't know what the future holds. But how do we do this? How do we wait on the Lord when it feels like He is silent?

Waiting in the Bible

Waiting is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. In Genesis, we see Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child, even into their old age. In Exodus, we see the Israelites waiting for deliverance from slavery. In the Psalms, we see David waiting for God's help in the midst of his enemies.

One of the most well-known passages on waiting is found in Isaiah 40:31, "but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." This verse reminds us that waiting on the Lord can actually be a source of strength and renewal.

The Purpose of Waiting

So why does God ask us to wait? What is the purpose of this often-painful process?

One reason is that waiting can help us grow in faith and patience. It forces us to rely on God, rather than our own strength and abilities. It teaches us to trust in His timing, rather than our own. And it can deepen our relationship with Him as we learn to lean on Him more fully.

Another purpose of waiting is that it can prepare us for the answer to our prayers. Just as a seed needs time to grow before it can bear fruit, we often need time to grow and mature before we are ready to receive what God has for us.

Finally, waiting can be a way for God to accomplish His purposes in our lives. He may be using the waiting to refine us, to teach us important lessons, or to prepare us for a specific task or calling.

How to Wait Well

So if waiting is part of God's plan for us, how do we wait well? How do we wait in a way that honors God and prepares us for His answer?

1. Trust in God's Character

The first step in waiting well is to trust in God's character. We need to believe that He is good, that He loves us, and that He is in control. When we trust in God's character, we can have confidence that He is working all things together for our good, even when we can't see it.

One way to cultivate trust in God's character is to spend time reading and meditating on His Word. The Bible is full of stories of God's faithfulness and love. It reminds us of His promises and His presence with us.

2. Pray and Seek God's Will

The second step in waiting well is to pray and seek God's will. We should bring our requests to Him in prayer, but we should also be open to His leading and direction. We should ask Him what He wants us to learn or do during the waiting, and how we can glorify Him in the process.

As we seek God's will, we may also need to surrender our own desires and plans. We may need to let go of our own agenda and trust in His plan for our lives.

3. Focus on the Present

The third step in waiting well is to focus on the present. We should not be so consumed with the future that we miss what God is doing in our lives right now. We should look for opportunities to serve Him and others, to grow in our faith, and to enjoy the blessings He has given us.

One way to focus on the present is to practice gratitude. We should thank God for His provision and His presence with us. We should also look for ways to bless others and share the love of Christ with those around us.

4. Find Support and Encouragement

The fourth step in waiting well is to find support and encouragement. We should not try to go through the waiting alone. We should seek out other believers who can pray with us, encourage us, and hold us accountable.

We may also need to seek professional help if we are struggling with anxiety or depression during the waiting. There is no shame in asking for help when we need it.

5. Hold on to God

The final step in waiting well is to hold on to God. We should not hold on to a specific outcome, but rather to God Himself. He is the one who sustains us and gives us strength. He is the one who holds our future in His hands.

As we wait, we can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness. We can hold on to the hope that He will work all things together for our good. And we can look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face and all our waiting will be over.

Conclusion

Waiting is not easy, but it is part of God's plan for us. As we wait, we can trust in God's character, pray and seek His will, focus on the present, find support and encouragement, and hold on to Him. We can have confidence that He is working all things together for our good, and that one day we will see Him face to face.

So if you are in a season of waiting, take heart. You are not alone, and God is with you. He sees your waiting, and He is using it for His purposes. Keep trusting Him, keep seeking Him, and keep holding on to Him. The waiting may be unwelcome, but it can also be a gift.