In the Waiting!

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Good things come to those who wait.” But I challenge you to rewrite that saying to say, “Good things come in the waiting.” Yes, we keep pressing on because we look forward to the final outcome, but there’s much to be done in the waiting. 

When Jesus talked to the followers he often talked about farming. His followers were familiar with the processes and practices of farming, so they could understand his analogies. Today anyone who is familiar with farming, or even gardening, knows that after seeds are planted waiting must take place. But waiting isn’t an idle term. It’s an action. While farmers wait there must be weeding, fertilizing, pest control, watering, and nurturing of the plants. Waiting does not mean idly sitting by until something happens. Waiting is action!

What have you been waiting on...a report from a doctor, the salvation of a loved one, financial relief, to be removed from the fire of refinement, a pregnancy, the return of a prodigal? Whatever it is that your waiting on is the end product, but there is much to be done and learned while you wait. 

Weeding may need to take place. Do you need to slow down and weed out activities that are keeping you from drawing closer to the Lord? Are there sins that God is trying to remove from your life during this time of waiting? Weeds of fear and doubt will try to creep into your life. Be alert. Weeds grow overnight. Learn to become aware of what’s coming up in the garden so you can remove it while it’s at the early stages! 

Have you learned how to fertilize during the wait? Are you filling up on the word of God? Do you spend time praising and learning to love God for who he is and not just what he does for you? Are you fellowshipping with other Christians? Do you have someone to hold you accountable? 

Never forget the pest control! Get on your knees, learn to pray for God’s protection, provision,  and the binding of satan from your life and the lives of others. Memorize scripture and use it as your gardening tool of choice.

Water is essential to growth. Drink deeply from the well of God’s word. Go directly to the source... Jesus is waiting to fill you from the well that will never run dry! Learn to depend on Him for all your needs!

Nurture yourself and others as you wait. Send cards, make meals, go for walks or have a time of visiting. Pray for one another and pray together. Taking our mind off our own issues and focusing on the needs of others is a great remedy to self-pity and anxiety.

God’s timing is perfect. He is never early, and he is never late! As you wait, spend time with the gardener!