I was recently reading a devotional and the author challenged readers to “wait well” instead of simply waiting. This thought really stuck out to me.
As I wait for God to answer certain prayers in my life, I started to think about if I was waiting well. Was I waiting with fear? Was I waiting with anxiety? Was I waiting with doubt? Those things are likely the opposite of what God would consider waiting well in a season of transition.
What does it mean to wait well? James 1:6 tells us to ask with belief. When we go to God in prayer, we must be bold in our petitions knowing that if we ask according to His will, He will be faithful.
I realized that I needed to find ways to honor and glorify God as I wait. I was too focused on what I did not have and what I was waiting for to the point that I wasn’t appreciative of all God blessed me with. Blessings that I could use in service of His Kingdom instead of feeling down wondering when it would be my turn. This is easier said than done in the world of social media, a world that with each click or scroll, we are constantly comparing our timelines with others. I’m not just talking about the timeline that appears on our newsfeed.
When I took a good look at myself, I realized I needed to make the adjustment from waiting to waiting well. That will look different for everyone but for me, it is doing things like this. Using my voice to uplift and encourage others. It is journaling, reading, studying, and finding ways to be a light. I find the more I pour myself into positive things, it takes away from the time I would allow anxiety, worry or overthinking to creep in.
So, whatever you are waiting for today: a new job, spouse, child, healing, or anything that might be on your heart as you read this… I want you to be encouraged. I want your spirit to be uplifted. Be encouraged by the psalmist:
Psalm 27:14- Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 130:5- I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.
Finally, I want to challenge you! Call, text, email, or message someone today and tell them you appreciate them and why.
In a time where there seems to be so many in crisis in this world, take a moment to uplift another.
Afterall, you may be helping them to wait well. Be encouraged!
