Finding Hope and Blessings in God’s Timing

Waiting can be a real test of patience, especially in our fast-paced world where everything seems to be just a click away. But you know what they say - good things come to those who wait. And trust me, God knows how to make us wait.

Think about it - we live in a culture of instant gratification. We want our fast food, our express checkout lanes, and our next-day Amazon deliveries. Waiting is not exactly our strong suit. Yet, time and again, the Lord puts us in the waiting room of life. It's like He's saying, "Hold up, my child. I've got something better for you, but you'll have to wait a bit."

Remember Abraham? He and Sarah waited for years for the promised child. And let's not forget Joseph.  He waited in prison before he became a ruler. Waiting isn't just about killing time; it's about building character and trust. It's like God is saying, "I've got this, but first, let me mould you into the person you need to be."

Waiting can feel like watching paint dry. You're just sitting there, twiddling your thumbs, and wondering if anything will ever change. But here's the thing - waiting is a season of preparation. It's like marinating a steak; the longer it sits, the better it tastes. (And who doesn’t love a good steak, right?) God is marinating us in His plans and purposes, and trust me, the result will be finger-licking good.

Isaiah 64:4 says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." God has surprises up His sleeve that will blow our minds. We can't even imagine the goodness He's cooking up.

It’s like the scene I just finished in the book I’m reading.  The book is a twist on the Arthurian legends; only in it, Merlin’s great power is not magic but rather a fervent trust in God.  As Merlin escorts a group of young men to meet up with the king for battle, they encounter one delay after another.  Frustrated with their slow progress, Merlin grows weary, and his faith begins to waver—that is until they reach their destination and find all the inhabitants slain and the city burned to the ground.  Only then does Merlin thank God for his protection, knowing that had he and his party arrived when they had planned, they, too, would have likely perished.  While the waiting seemed unnecessary and painful, it worked out for the best.  And I’ve seen the same thing in my life more times than I can count.

So, how do we survive the waiting game without losing our minds? Well, first, we need to shift our perspective. Instead of seeing waiting as a punishment, let's see it as a gift. It's like God saying, "I love you too much to give you something half-baked. So, hang tight, my dear."

Second, let's use the waiting room wisely. Remember those hours in the doctor's office with outdated magazines? Yeah, let's not waste our waiting time scrolling through meaningless stuff. Instead, let's dive into God's Word, pray, and seek His face. Waiting becomes much less frustrating when we're engaged in the right activities.

Lastly, let's trust the Cook. God's timing is impeccable. He's not slow; He's just thorough. He's not forgetting us; He's orchestrating a masterpiece. Even when the waiting gets tough, let's hold on to His promises. After all, He who began a good work in us will complete it in His perfect time (Philippians 1:6).

So, my friends, the next time you find yourself in the waiting room of life, remember that the Lord is working behind the scenes. He's got a plan, and it's a good one. The waiting may feel like an eternity, but the outcome will be worth it. And who knows, while you're waiting, you might learn to appreciate the beauty of the process. After all, waiting time isn't wasted time; it's a time of growth, transformation, and, yes, even a few "Are we there yet?" moments.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. - Psalm 27:14