Have you ever had to wait a really long time — maybe even years — for something? Did you ever feel tempted to just give up hope?
Back in 2005, I’d reached a very low point in my life, even though my spiritual life was decent. Having cried out to God about my circumstances on many occasions, I didn’t know what else to do. Graciously, God spoke to me and offered me hope of things to come.
It has been almost ten years of waiting, for me, now. And I’m starting to get weary. It’s very, very hard to wait so long for something you want so very much.
There have been times where I’ve been tempted to take matters into my own hands — unfortunately, I know from past experience that that never ends well.
There have also been many times where I’ve questioned my own sanity, wondering whether I just “heard” something I wanted to hear, or whether God really even spoke to me. Yet, I now see this as the devil’s oldest scheme in the book: causing one to consider, “Did God really say…? “, just as he did with Eve in the garden!
Through my doubts, I’ve learned to question — and that it’s even okay to do so! Faith (or belief in something ) without questioning isn’t really “faith” at all. I’ve learned to research and look for evidence. And God has shown me, time and time again, that He is the One I heard “speak” to me that day in 2005, and what He promised will come to pass. I need only be patient, and continue to trust Him as I wait.
Another thing I’ve learned in waiting on God is to not put my life “on hold” — I need to keep myself busy, and focus on growing into the woman God intends me to become. Waiting on God has certainly grown my character! I’m learning patience, trust, faith, and discernment (amongst other things). And my walk with God has most definitely grown stronger, too.
What helps me get through best, though, is knowing that, by leaving matters in God’s hands, and continuing to wait for His perfect timing, the outcome — finally receiving what’s been promised to me — will far exceed my mere human expectations. God loves to show off.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory…” – Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV
“… [she] waited patiently for this to happen, and [she] received what God had promised.” – Hebrews 6:15, EXB
“And, blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” – Luke 1:45, NASB