The Season of Waiting

Why is it so hard to wait for something? You would think that as we age, we would automatically become more patient. Yet, as we yell at the car in front of us to “drive faster,” we realize that we are no different from the young voices in the backseat asking in unison, “Are we there yet?” Let’s face it… the obvious truth is that human beings are impatient.

It becomes challenging because there are many things in life that don’t transpire in our preferred timing. What if I told you that it’s actually by God’s design, that the waiting is part of His perfect plan. If this is true, then how do we respond in seasons of waiting?

Thankfully, the Bible has so much to say about patience and what it means to wait on the Lord. Before we go any further, let’s define what it means to be in “The Season of Waiting.” Simply put, it’s when your current reality doesn’t seem to match His promises.

If you need encouragement today in “The Season of Waiting,” look no further than the life of David. Think about this: David knew he was going to be king. God had CLEARLY spoken. He had already been anointed, yet he would not sit on the throne for another 15 years. In fact, in 1 Samuel 24–30, David’s current reality consisted of caves, wilderness, running, hiding, disappointment, uncertainty and waiting.

Maybe you feel like you’re in a similar position… minus the caves and someone trying to kill you. Perhaps you find yourself waiting for healing, provision, a future ministry endeavor, a job opportunity, or the restoration of a relationship. Just like David, we must learn to be patient and trust in the Lord’s perfect timing. We must believe that what God has said is true and continue to put our FAITH and TRUST in Him.

Throughout David’s season of waiting, he is presented with several opportunities to take matters into his own hands and kill King Saul. If he eliminates Saul, then the throne is vacant, and it’s all his. Problem solved… right? Wrong. You see, David knew that God promised him the kingdom, but he also knew that God never gave him permission to slay Saul. He understands that “obedience” is more important than “opportunity.” And everytime he chose obedience and patience he was growing into the man God has called him to be. Not only was God preparing the throne for David, but more importantly He was preparing David for the throne. God has called you to obedience, while the outcomes and timing remain in His hands. This is true for you today, whatever it is you are waiting on. Let us never forget that God Himself opens doors and closes them and He does so in His perfect timing.

If God has said it, then He will deliver. Our responsibility is to lean into the refinement while we await its delivery. Think about it this way… that Amazon package will be delivered today, and although one more peek at the tracking map won’t make it arrive any faster, it will give me a little more assurance that what I’m waiting for is, in fact, going to arrive. Before I can feel completely at ease with the timing of its arrival, another thought has already entered my mind: Two-day shipping is so long. I thought I remembered them promising drone delivery within hours?! We are never satisfied. You may be impatient today, and you will be again in the future. Knowing this, we must rely on the Lord for strength, courage and patience.

Upon reflection of his life and the many “ups” and “downs” David writes this Psalm:

“14 Wait for the Lord;
 be strong, and let your heart take courage;
 wait for the Lord!” - Psalm 27:14 ESV

While you are in “The Season of Waiting,” continue to trust and obey. And know that while you wait for God to change your circumstances, you can be sure that He is using them for your sanctification. He did it in David’s life, and He will surely do it in yours.

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