In life we can experience seasons–physical, emotional and even spiritual. Sometimes we find ourselves in what feels like a ‘spiritual desert’ and can struggle and wonder when our change will come.
When I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child, I was shocked: What?! But Dad, (aka God), I thought I was done! You see how hard this “Martha” thing is for me! (for those who don’t know about “Mary and Martha,” Martha was busy in the kitchen and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus just listening (Luke 10:38-42).
If you find yourself waiting in a challenging season, take heart. Here are three tips to consider:
- Enjoy where you ARE with all your might! Life is precious, time is precious, your body is precious…and all of these things are LIMITED. Nothing teaches you this better than becoming a parent (for then you learn that even being able to shower, brush your teeth or relieve yourself is precious!)
- Things WILL change or shift. God is Expert at changing things…just look at winter, spring, summer, and fall, and all that happens in them. He will not leave us where we are forever! Visit the book of Ecclesiastes for a good reminder, or listen to the song by the Byrds, “Turn, Turn, Turn”.
- Realize you are not the only person in the world! This may be the most important point, especially as we live in a world where everything revolves around “me”. While you are waiting, God is surely unfolding something in someone else’s life. And if the way nature operates is any clue, we are all somehow connected.
Lets get Practical: when I am getting my kids ready in the morning, my eldest is often ready first and waiting at the door. My daughter may need some encouragement, and my littlest daughter will be fighting with me about her shoes. Then there is the newborn who is busy getting the “full treatment.”
Do you think my son likes waiting for his siblings to be ready? Not one bit. Sighs and grumbling, but eventually he accepts it. Do you think I am walking out the door without all of my children? No way. We are all going together.
I think it’s like this with Dad (aka God). I believe we are all His kids, whether we know it or not, and He doesn’t want anyone left behind in anything. He wants it all to work out good for everyone.
So remember, you are not an island. God is crazy about you, but also everyone else on this planet. Try to stay patient, cultivate humility, grow in love, and hang in there.
Your time will come.
*But if you feel stuck waiting for a “right moment,” you may need to let it go and go for it.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7&8)
