Rejoice In The Waiting

Let’s talk about visions today…as in, when God gives you a vision. I’ve had a couple now that I’ve been holding on to for …well…many years. And waiting for a vision to come to fruition is not easy.

Waiting for a second child.

Waiting for specific breakthroughs in my business.

Waiting for clarity on next steps after my husband's anesthesia fellowship.

Waiting for some things I feel called to do to be given the green light.

I am sure you have your own list.

But I was convicted this week of how to wait. Do I wait well? Does my waiting glorify God? Do I still choose faithfulness even in the valley?

Sometimes God places a dream in our hearts but then immediately after leads us to the valley to refine us, shape us, and prepare us so that when the vision becomes reality we can steward it for His glory and HIS way.

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The enemy loves to mess with our minds in that season of waiting, refining, and shaping. He tries to convince me I heard wrong, or that I shouldn’t bother trying…or the worst of all…I can make it happen on my own; I can find a shortcut.

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There have been too many times I’ve wanted to quit in the valley. There have also been times I’ve wanted to help God make His promise happen. Neither glorify God. Neither make Him known.

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God wants to be able to trust me with the vision He’s given me. And if I am honest, I know He is delaying specific things for my protection—He knows I may get lost if I prematurely arrive. So I continue to lean in.

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I’ve learned to stop resenting, resisting or running away from the waiting season and the valley. I refuse to numb out in it because I KNOW God doesn't waste pain or waiting. I’ve learned to rejoice in it because I KNOW my Father is with me, before me, and in me. I am not afraid. I am not in a hurry. I am done trying to whip myself into shape for my own selfish goals and am yielding to His sculpting of my character to accomplish HIS purpose.

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Friend if you are losing heart in the process, may I encourage you to keep looking up (not around in comparison or within to your own strength) and showing up (faithfully and joyfully). God has not forgotten. His Word never returns void.

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Lean in. Trust the plans He has for you. Rejoice always. Waiting is not passive but rather the perfect soil to a deeper and more intimate walk with God. We get to decide how the time will pass. May we choose greater delight in Him and let perseverance have its full work in us that we may be mature and complete lacking nothing (James 1:4).

Until next time.