What to Do While You Wait: Finding Purpose and Growth in the Waiting Season

What to Do While You Wait

Have you ever experienced a season of waiting that felt never-ending? The kind of waiting that leaves you feeling disappointed and stuck? Maybe it's a job opportunity, a relationship, or a dream you've been waiting to see come to fruition. Waiting can be incredibly challenging, but it doesn't have to be a wasted time. In fact, there are things we can do while we wait that can bring growth, purpose, and hope to our lives.

1. Seek God's Presence

When we find ourselves in a waiting season, it's essential to seek God's presence. Rather than focusing solely on our desires and frustrations, we can turn our attention to the One who is always with us. Spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating on God's promises can bring a sense of peace and perspective. As David writes in Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

2. Trust God's Timing

Trusting God's timing can be challenging, especially when we feel like we're stuck in a perpetual waiting room. But the Bible reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. Instead of trying to rush or control the outcome, we can surrender our plans and trust in God's perfect timing. As we wait, we can find comfort in the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

3. Serve Others

While we wait, it's easy to become consumed with our own desires and frustrations. However, one of the best ways to shift our focus is to serve others. By reaching out and helping those in need, we not only make a difference in their lives but also find purpose and fulfillment in our own. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

4. Grow in Faith

Waiting seasons can challenge our faith and trust in God. However, they can also provide an opportunity for growth. As we navigate the uncertainties and frustrations of waiting, we can lean into our relationship with God and allow Him to deepen our faith. We can seek His guidance, ask Him to reveal areas in our lives that need growth and transformation, and surrender our doubts and fears to Him. James 1:2-4 encourages us to "count it all joy" when we face trials, knowing that they produce endurance and maturity.

5. Cultivate Gratitude

Waiting can easily breed discontentment and a sense of lack. However, choosing to cultivate gratitude can transform our perspective. By intentionally focusing on the blessings and goodness in our lives, we can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. Gratitude breeds contentment and opens our eyes to the beauty and provision that surround us even in the midst of waiting. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

6. Pursue Personal Growth

While waiting, we can take advantage of the extra time and space to pursue personal growth. This could involve learning a new skill, reading books, attending conferences or workshops, or seeking mentorship. By investing in our personal development, we not only expand our knowledge and abilities but also position ourselves for future opportunities. As Proverbs 18:15 says, "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."

Waiting seasons may be challenging, but they can also be transformative. Instead of merely enduring the wait, we can use this time to draw closer to God, serve others, grow in faith, cultivate gratitude, and pursue personal growth. As we do so, we can trust that God is at work even in the waiting and that He has a perfect plan for our lives.