THE PERIOD OF WAITING
“Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). “But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
The period of waiting is the special season in ones life when precious or vital things such as job, house, marriage, children, comfort, healing, growth in ministry, academic breakthrough, promotion, among others are being awaited. We have presented these to God in prayers, hoping for the best answers but they are not coming forth. More importantly, Christians are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The period of waiting is a challenging one. We need faith to stand firm, else we lose all hope in Christ Jesus. It is a period of great test of patience and endurance in the lives of Christians. It is the time to show the proof of your love for God. This period of waiting varies in individuals. For some, it can be a short period, while some have to tarry longer than others. The period of waiting cannot be outrightly avoided in our Christian race, it shows up as we journey through.
God allows the period of waiting in the lives of His children, so that He can strengthen and re – energize us, to improve our faith in Him, guide us and build our spirituality. He is grooming us for a great future because He knows the end from the beginning. Sarah and Hannah waited for years to get the fruit of the womb, the man at the Bethsaida pool waited for 38 years, the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years and Job waited in pain and loss, Lazarus was dead for four days, Peter the fisherman and his friends toiled all through the night, the Israelites were enslaved in a strange land for 430 years (Exodus 12:40) and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The people of Samaria waited in famine but God showed up in an unexpected way through His words. (2 kings 6:25–31). These are examples of those that experienced waiting periods in the bible.
Friends and relatives are great factors during the period of waiting. In most cases, they cause more unpleasant events to mount up and increase the pressures of waiting than give support and encouragement. During the season of waiting, it sometimes seems there is no way out. Some friends and relatives bring up suggestions and plans that are contrary to the will of God. They encourage alternative measures. Job’s wife did. During this period, the devil uses this as temptation to distract fervent Christians, as many easily forget their relationship with God and they begin to complain and allow bitterness to prevail. They neglect the things of God, put blames on others, have depression, loneliness, silent cries among others. Unfortunately, these attitudes may prolong the time of waiting.
The period of waiting may seem unending but it surely will; there is always light at the end of the tunnel. God promised that He will do a new thing, which will spring forth and will make a way in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19). God said He knows the plan He Has for us, to prosper and not harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). God never fails, He is a God who suddenly shows up when we least expect. He does what He says He will do. He answers prayers in diverse ways for the glory of His name and He will never share His glory with any one (Isaiah 42:8). He will make a way out in the darkest hour. He is the Almighty.
While waiting, avoid sin and its resemblances, pray until something happens. Always praise Him, it means you are reverencing Him as Lord in all conditions. Hold unto the word of God, seek godly counsel and avoid discouraging friends that will add more pressures. Have faith in God, trust Him. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, put Him first and work for Him. He will surely grant our desires. May God give us the grace to wait till our victory is won in Jesus name (Amen).