The Weight of Waiting

For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail: though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 New American Standard Bible

Several years ago, God gave me a verse of promise. It was 2 Chronicles 25:9, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” I had been on my journey with Him for a year, experienced His Word coming alive to me, seen changes taking place within me and around me, and had begun to see God for who He really was and what He was really like. So to have Him assure me that He had much more to give me than what He had already given me was powerful! Then came the season of waiting!

The most difficult part of waiting is when there seems to be no manifestations of the promises. I think back to when I wanted children. The waiting was hard when there was no pregnancy. I was filled with doubts as to whether or not I would even be able to bear children. But the waiting took on a different perspective when I became pregnant and awaited the delivery! The child growing in my womb was something tangible, felt, and evidenced in me. There was no more guessing, wondering, or doubting. It became just a matter of time.

God knows my tendency to grow discouraged when the waiting is without touchable, seen, and concrete areas along the way. So every once in awhile He sends a confirming reminder my way. He whispers encouragement through His Word, prayer, or even other believers. Last night and this morning He drew my attention to Habakkuk 2:3 and His words of “Wait for it; for it will certainly come,” spoke volumes to me. A quote from The Daily Bread brought assurance. It read, “God never says, ’Wait awhile,’ unless He is planning to do something in our situation--or in us. He waits to be gracious.” Occasionally someone will say to me, “God has big plans for you. He is doing something in you.” The wise advice of a godly woman came back to me this morning. In response to my question of what I should do during the wait, she said, “Just keep doing what you are doing. God will guide and open doors at the right time.” My Bible ancestors like David, Ruth, Joseph, and Moses are serving as personal reminders as well. Their waiting often covered decades!

This has been a weekend of reminders that I have needed. I am strengthened by the realization that God is always involved in my life and will eventually bring about His wishes, desires, and plans for me. The waiting time is not wasted time. I choose to rest in Him, cooperate with Him, learn from Him, and follow Him. He will not let me down!

Father, You hold my life and my heart in Your hands. Thank you for the assurance that You are not finished with me yet and that You continue to hasten toward the goal You have for me. I cling to You. Amen.