What to Do While Waiting

Last week in this space I shared some encouragements about waiting. We determined that waiting is an inevitable fact of life.

Because there are many excellent Blogs, books, and articles on practical things to do while waiting (in line, at ballgames, etc.), I do not want to use this space to re-create that list. What I would like for us to consider is a bigger picture application of what to do while waiting through major initiatives in our lives (promotions at work, relationship improvement, overcoming an illness, etc.).

I believe that how we position ourselves when we do have to wait, and how we leverage our spiritual resources during the wait will do one of two things: It will either propel us forward into a greater intimacy with God and spiritual growth, or it will keep us simply mediocre.

Here are two things to consider:

1) Make preparations for the best. Many people “don’t get their hopes up” while waiting. They find it easy to expect the worst rather than expect the best. What we need to do is act and speak as if what we are waiting for is going to happen. That is what faith is.

You might ask, “But what if it doesn’t happen?” Wouldn’t you rather have expected and prepared for the best possible outcome, being ready for when it does happen? Or, do you prefer a life of being discouragement and negativity, expecting the worst outcome?

A life lived with a positive attitude will open more doors for you, will cause others to want to be around you, and make you more purposeful and productive. On the other hand, a life lived with a negative attitude will depress you, will drive others away from you, and keep you from achieving very much.

When it comes to negative expectations, many people expect the worst and look forward to saying, “See, I told you so.” I’d rather live a life of faith, expecting the very best so I can say, “See, the Lord said so!”

2) Remind yourself of God’s Promises. God’s Word is full of His promises for those who believe in Him. When difficulties come or when you must wait, remind yourself of specific promises in His Word. Say, “God has me in His hand, and no weapon formed against me will prosper. I am trusting (not will trust) in my God to see me through!”

This puts the responsibility on us to find and learn the promises in His Word. We must be diligent treasure hunters, seeking the promises and encouragements that are waiting to be discovered. May I encourage us to turn off the TV and spend time in God’s Word. When facing a difficult period of waiting in our lives, the promises of God’s Word will go a lot further than knowing the winner of a reality TV show.

Isaiah 40:31 tells us: Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Wait Well!

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