Waiting in the Wilderness
Beyond Belief
Waiting is an inevitable part of life, yet it remains one of the most challenging tasks we face. From the anticipation of significant life events to the smaller moments in between, waiting tests our patience and often pushes us to our limits. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of waiting and delve into why it is an essential journey of faith and character development. So grab a cup of coffee and join me as we dive into the art of waiting.
The Journey of Parenthood:
One of the most profound experiences that teach us the art of waiting is becoming a parent. The nine-month-long period of pregnancy, filled with physical discomforts and emotional ups and downs, prepares us for the challenges ahead. From the first trimester morning sickness to the sleepless nights in the final stretch, waiting becomes a constant presence. It is during this waiting period that we discover lessons of patience, selflessness, and endurance.
While waiting for significant milestones in life, we often find ourselves waiting on God. Waiting for the right spouse, for a job offer, for the resolution of a problem – these moments can try our faith and patience. Hebrews 6:12 highlights the significance of imitating those who inherit promises through faith and patience. It is during these waiting periods that God molds and develops us, preparing us for His greater plan.
Mismanaged Expectations:
- Grow roots that can sustain fruits.
Waiting on God can be particularly challenging when our expectations are mismanaged. God is not a lucky charm we turn to in emergencies. Instead, He is our Father, with a purpose and promise for our lives. While waiting, it may feel like God is absent, but in reality, He is more focused on what He is doing within us rather than for us. Isaiah 64:4 reminds us that God works for those who patiently wait for Him.
When we examine the journey of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt to the Promised Land, we discover the profound work that God does in us while we wait. In the wilderness, God nurtured their faith roots and built their capacity to handle the blessings of the Promised Land. Similarly, our waiting periods are opportunities for us to grow roots that can sustain future fruits. God works on our character, stability, and overall development during these times.
The Importance of Attitude:
- Waiting without complaining
How we approach waiting plays a crucial role in our growth and the duration of our waiting. Complaining while waiting signifies a lack of spiritual maturity, trust, and reverence for God. The Israelites’ journey serves as a powerful reminder of this. Their constant grumbling and lack of faith extended their waiting period from eleven months to forty long years. We must be content with where we are and avoid taking matters into our own hands, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
- Worship while you wait.
Instead of running away from God during difficult times, we can run to Him. God’s presence sustains us as He works on our behalf. Moses understood this when he couldn’t proceed without God’s presence. Worship becomes an integral part of waiting, allowing us to deepen our connection with Him and the community around us. While waiting, God is still working in our hearts, molding us into vessels ready to receive His blessings.
Final Thought:
Rather than viewing waiting as a passive state, we should approach it as an opportunity to serve, worship, and grow in our relationship with God. The wilderness wanderings of the Israelites were intended to humble them, test their character, and teach them reliance on God. In the waiting, we are reminded that our sustenance comes not only from physical provisions but also from every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
Waiting may not be easy, but it is an essential part of our journey in faith and character development. As we navigate milestones in life, relationships, and uncertainties, let us remember that while we wait, God is working. Let us relinquish our mismanaged expectations, avoid complaining, and instead devote our energies to worship and service. In the midst of waiting, let us hold onto hope, knowing that God’s timing is perfect and that His promises will be fulfilled. So, let us embrace the art of waiting as a transformative process that shapes us into the individuals God intends us to be.