Only a few weeks ago, I ventured back to my wonderful home state of Georgia. Getting on the plane I found myself waiting, and as my journey progressed I realized how much waiting was a part of my trip itinerary.
Waiting to get on the plane. Then waiting to get off the plane. Waiting for my family to pick me up or waiting for a call back. Waiting to meet my friend or waiting at the Starbucks drive thru. Lots and lots of waiting.
Of course waiting is a normal part of our week, whether it’s waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting at the restaurant or waiting for a meeting to start.
Sometimes we wait with great patience and sometimes we don’t.
When you’re in a season of waiting, it can feel like an eternity, and if you’re like me the word patience won’t even find its way to your vocabulary.
So….
How do we wait with patience?
and How do we wait with purpose?
How do we wait without losing it?!
We all know that “the waiting season” can be a frustrating season, especially when you feel as though your life has been put on stand by.
I’m currently in a season of waiting. Waiting for the next job, next person to serve, next door to open, and the next assignment from God.
Maybe you’re waiting for a future spouse, or test results, or a breakthrough in your finances, and maybe you’ve been waiting for a few weeks, months, or years.
But the truth is that no matter the amount of time you have to hold on, God will remain faithful. And if you’re like me you’re wondering what you can do while you wait for the next move of God?
Here are seven things you can do While You’re Waiting On Your Breakthrough…
1. Pray Without Ceasing.
There are times when God has us in a position of extended waiting because of His desire for us to commune with Him.
We may even start to think He doesn’t hear us anymore, so why bother?
But isn’t that what the enemy of our souls wants us to think? Because then we remain silenced, no longer connecting with our Creator.
God desires for you to talk to Him. Share your heart so that He can share His with you.
Jeremiah 29:12 says, “Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
2. Declare His word.
We can’t expect to wear the victor’s crown if we’re speaking from defeat as a victim.
We can’t hope to have a breakthrough while constantly talking “how broken we are.”
Expect the best! We can’t rush God, but we can trust God. God’s timing is perfect, He sees the bigger picture, and He is the hand that perfectly attaches all the puzzle pieces together.
No matter how anxious you are to know, if we must wait, rest with a sense of expectancy, knowing that whatever He is working behind the curtains will come to pass!
When we speak God’s Word aloud over our problems, our shortcomings and our pain, we allow the truth to become illuminated in our lives.
The Bible says the Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword. It is the only offensive weapon we have to defend ourselves against the schemes of the enemy, and it reinforces our confidence in Him.
When our hearts are anxiously awaiting a word from God, or a resolution, or our breakthrough, it’s vitally necessary for us to have the patience and the courage to remain still—not only physically with our bodies but mentally and emotionally in our minds and heart.
Putting aside time to read God’s Word and meditate on His promises re-centers us, and quiets our restlessness.
3. Worship God With Thanksgiving.
Some days it’s easier than others, but an attitude of continual thankfulness is one I never want to leave home without.
To be grateful for the big things, little things and the things which I often take for granted.
It’s amazing how this one shift in my demeanor so quickly changes my outlook and increases my joy.
Something astonishing happens when we choose to worship God for who He truly is; the God of the universe.
Every time we decide to praise Him we declare how worthy He is. Isn’t it beautiful to watch our faith grow over time?
He is a God who does the miraculous in and around us when we choose to worship Him in Spirit and Truth humbly!
4. Keep a Journal.
We can often grow oblivious to the answered prayers that God has brought to fruition.
He has blessed us in every way through Jesus Christ, and at times we can allow our lack of finances to distract us from how good He truly His.
The impossible is always possible with God.
There’s something spectacular about keeping tabs on what God is doing in your life and the lives around you.
A good way to keep track of God’s work in your life is to journal. Consider journaling about what God is doing in this season of anticipation so that in the future we will have something tangible to look back at, not only as inspiration but as a reminder that God is never late.
5. Surround Yourself With Encouraging People.
I cannot even begin to describe the importance of fellowship with people that desire to see you strive in your walk.
When we’ve been in a perpetual state of waiting for months or even years it can be very discouraging.
And what’s worse is we may find ourselves living out the old adage “misery loves company.” That is why it’s important to surround yourself with mature Christians who will invest in and mentor you during this waiting season.
Surrounding ourselves with Scripture, wise friends, godly books and praise music will not only lift our spirits but also reinforce His love and promises while we wait.
Life is about relationships and I am the first to admit people can be the last thing on my mind as my to-do list stares me in the face and my inbox grows by the minute.
Yet it’s my friends and family who make it full, make it worth it, and keep me going. So, as I am faithful to those in front of me, I am reminded that it’s in these relationships where the waiting is more than bearable.
6. Remain Obedient.
The “season of waiting” not only can leave us hopeless, but it can also lead us astray from God’s plan if we allow ourselves to faint.
See this season of rest as a test which might be the proving grounds of our obedience to Him.
Our obedience to God is a direct result of our love for him. John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey my commandments.” Wait on the Lord!
7. Serve Someone in Need.
It’s easy to get caught up in our struggles. At times our eyes can be so fixed on ourselves that we can’t see the needs of the people around us. Or we see it, but we are simply too caught up in ourselves to care about someone else’s struggles.
As you wait, seek and be intentional of who God is calling you to serve today?
Often in the waiting, so much of life can feel purposeless, wondering what I am actually supposed to do. Yet, there’s usually at least one thing I know to do.
Maybe it’s a simple task for work, maybe it’s something for family, or something for a friend. I do the next thing, trusting breakthrough is on its way.
Even with a list such as this, waiting can be extremely hard and feel very lonely, especially if you don’t know when it will end.
In the end, you need your own list, your own set of “must-dos” that will get you through the long days and the moments when you think, “I just can’t wait any longer.”
Someday you’ll look back and see how helpful your list was and more than likely you’ll be a voice of hope to someone who finds themselves waiting. Your list just may become their lifeline.
