The idea of waiting has popped up a lot recently. I have to wait on my hip to recover, I have to wait six months before my job starts, and I have to wait for the next Fortnite challenge. There are big things in my life that I am waiting on. The problem is that I’m not an incredibly patient person. I’m not obsessively impatient, but I definitely don’t choose to stand in the longest line at the grocery store.
Every time I go to the doctor’s office, I have to wait at least an hour before I see my hip doctor. At first, I sat frustrated and stared at the ceiling while I anxiously awaited my leg to be thrust in uncomfortable positions. Many afternoons, I sat annoyed as I impatiently laid on an uncomfortable table. Eventually, I realized that no matter how impatient I grew, he wouldn’t come to my room any faster.
I think this is sometimes how we react to God. We go to God in prayer and ask for a certain result. We may even pray for a week straight and expect to see immediate results. No matter how hard we try, it doesn’t mean God will show up any faster. God will show up when He is ready to show up in your life. Often, waiting is your only option. Bring a book and get comfortable.
Most things in life won’t come easy. Big accomplishments don’t happen overnight. Breakthroughs occur with consistency rather than a singular, intense moment. Stay patient. Tom Brady didn’t just pick up a football and win 5 Super Bowls. Michael Jordan didn’t just sit on the couch all day and go and win 6 rings. Just because you may not see immediate results doesn’t mean you aren’t making long-term gains. God is also one of the GOATs and He is working every day to make you into the person you are meant to be. You will become that person over a long time. Don’t expect to be perfect after a couple of days.
My one word for 2019 is HOPE. This means that I can do everything in my power, but there is still more that I can’t control. I must sit back and wait for everything to pan out. You may do everything in your power, but there is still more that you can’t control. All you have left to do is wait. You may be finishing up your college degree, but don’t have a job. You have applied for job after job but haven’t received any offers. When you know you have done everything in your power the only thing left to do is wait.
Sometimes waiting is exactly what we need. Just because something may not happen in the time you want doesn’t mean it isn’t in the time God wants. His timing is better than yours.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait/hope/trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I appreciate you.
-JP