While I'm Waiting

Sometimes things go smoothly and pieces fit together. Sometimes there are hiccups, but, keeping our hand to the plow, we see progress and movement. 

And sometimes God let's us wait. 

Those moments that we stand still, fidgety and eager...that great tension as we stand poised on the edge of the unknown...the knowing that what we are about to launch into is so far above us and intricately designed by God Himself...the how and the details can scare us and bog us down, cause us to stumble in our steadfastness. But, OH to know that the Lord is positioning you for something great, He's using you. He's using YOU. 

Like a roller coaster that slowly click, click, clicks its ascent...that precious, seemingly never-ending pause at the top as you take in the view and the vastness that surrounds you...and then the plunge. 

That breath-taking, all-consuming exhilaration that washes over you and stops time for a beat defies time and easily consumes.

It's during the click, click, clicking that we tend to get antsy. We tend to get frustrated as we see the top, but feel like we're never going to get there.  The fear, the anxiety, the anticipation: It's maddening. 

But what if instead of being frustrated or angry at the lack of movement, we embraced the time the Lord gives us to catch our breath? What if we simply took in the delicious anticipation and allowed God to work in us as He continues to prepare us for the plunge?

What if we embraced the "calm before the storm" and took in the quiet? What if we used that time to allow the Lord to arrange everything we'll need for the journey? 

What if we rested in knowing that we will never again get these moments back--these moments of metaphorically holding our breath before life as we know it changes. Because it will change. We cannot step forward in faith and obedience without changing. God changes us. He tests, prepares, and refines us along the way. 

Whether we're waiting because God is still preparing us or so that He can prepare others, waiting is a critical part of the journey. 

Something I'm learning is that it's not always about me. Sometimes, when there's a delay, it's because the Lord is answering someone else's prayers. Sometimes it's because He is orchestrating perfectly, as only He can, the chain of events that need to come to pass so that I can springboard over the edge and begin the glorious descent into His Will. 
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21;5
What if we choose to believe that God has us where He wants us when he wants us there, if we are willing and obedient? 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
So, while I'm waiting, standing here on the precipice of my future, looking down at all that lies before me and waiting on Him to propel me into His plans for me, I'll take it all in. I'll be still and watch as He does His thing.  I'll drink in the moments of quiet anticipation and reflect on all God has done, all the ways He's been faithful in leading me and praise Him while I'm waiting.

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