By Chloe Grabeman
Have you ever just felt stuck? Trapped in the same old same old, desperate for any sort of change. Feeling as if this season will never end, you’re left restless and weary, trying to convince God that you are ready for a new path. But you wait and wait and wait, watching others progress to things your heart has always longed for.
Stuck in the waiting room, but your name has yet to be called.
Maybe you’re there and can understand. We feel like we have missed something or feel all alone because others are farther along. We wonder how long we will be here, when it will ever be our time, and if this is it in life. But the root of our restless-in-waiting seasons is much deeper, isn’t it? Something we may even be fearful to speak aloud and admit to ourselves. The question we just can’t fathom when the weight of the waiting is too strong.
“What if God’s plans are not my own?”
Growing up in a Christian environment, I came to realize that “pursuing God’s ways above our own” almost goes without thinking, a default setting. It is easy to say and maybe even live by until we hit a crossroad. When we see our hopes and dreams jeopardized by what seems to be an endless season of waiting, we worry they will never happen. We get scared that we have missed something God wanted us to do or figure out and are stuck in the “not yet” until the puzzle is solved. But most of all we are afraid God is not going to take care of our life’s desires.
And so, we justify. We try to convince God that our plan is truly foolproof.
Sometimes I wonder if God ever laughs or lets out a “bless your heart” to me up in heaven when I try to convince Him of my master plan, because honestly, it’s pretty comical sometimes. But what happens with every justification? We add a stone to the kingdom we are trying to build ourselves. God has some pretty comforting words regarding how He will treat our times of waiting, our hopes and dreams, and the kingdom we are trying to build in a beautifully ironic section of scripture entitled “Do Not Be Anxious.” Matthew 6:28-34 reads:
Here we find the antidote – “seek first the kingdom of God.” God’s kingdom, not our own kingdom. “And all will be added to you.”
It’s time we bring some clarity to God’s true purpose in seasons of waiting. If placed in His hands, God will honor and take care of your desires. They may not look exactly like you planned, but you will not be disappointed. In these seasons of waiting you may feel alone and see others increasingly find what they want most in life, but this isn’t God’s way of telling you your time will never come. Rather, you may be alone in this period of life to find what it means to walk with God. This may be a time for Him to show you where you are placing your stones. Where your trust is placed when it comes to your deepest longings.
As the verse shows, God takes care of the most intricate portions of His creation and makes them beautiful. He made lilies, just because He knew it would may you smile to marvel at their beauty. How much more will he take care of your hopes and dreams? Seasons of waiting don’t always have to be completely lonely and worrisome. They can be a time when you realize your deep dependence on God and learn to see Him for the one who made you with your desires. See that His plans for you are far greater than your own, and they will truly give you joy no matter what they are. He cares so deeply for your passions that He wants to be there with you as you journey into them.
So, if you are stuck in the waiting room, spend some time asking yourself where you are putting your stones? Who are you building a kingdom for? Seek His unexpected kingdom and see how His beautiful blessings will be added to you.
Song List:
- Sparrow (Under Heaven’s Eyes) – Tenth Avenue North
- Architecture – Jonathan Thulin
- Your Hands – JJ Heller
Check them out on the Real and True Playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/128815512/playlist/3YfqgeMjEUj7ZB8ydKd5qL