What do you do while you are waiting?
Isn’t it easy to worry? Get frustrated? Panic?
Ok, so my life really changed recently. God made it really clear that He is moving me on to a different ministry. I kind of know what that will be, but it’s not quite clear yet. And, right now, I’m kind of in limbo, waiting for everything to become clear and fall into place. And I don’t want to waste this moment. So here are some thoughts from the waiting place!
- I’m encouraged that the Israelites were given bread for each day, and Jesus tells us to ask for our daily bread. Jesus tells me not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Much as I might want to know what tomorrow will bring, I don’t really need to! Tomorrow’s provision will come, but I may not see it until tomorrow.
- God has a purpose for this waiting place. To be honest, I think the purpose of mine might well be rest! I’ve been thinking for a while that taking a Sabbatical after 13 years of full-time ministry would be a smart move. If God has provided one in this waiting place, wasting it fretting about what’s next would be a very silly thing to do!
- Uncertainty can teach us trust. Trust to know that the Father sees the future when we can’t, and we can trust His loving heart to provide and lead us forward.
- I have a friend who used to talk about “hurry up and wait”. Sometimes, God has us waiting for a bit… and then suddenly things move fast and fall into place very quickly, when it’s His time. So I shouldn’t be fooled: the wait won’t last forever!
- A time of transition from one ministry to another can be a healthy thing- a chance to rest, regroup and reflect. It can be a great blessing!
- Are there things I been wishing I could do? Maybe this is a chance to do them!
- I don’t always have to be performing! We were learning in a sermon recently about rest- how Christ has done everything for those who believe in and follow Him, and we can rest in His perfect work on our behalf, and know we are loved, instead of thinking we have to work to earn our acceptance with Him.
- I remember a friend sharing once how, in God’s economy, nothing is ever wasted. So this time has a purpose- probably many purposes all at once! And I don’t have to understand in order to believe that.
- If I seek the Lord, I’m confident there are things He wants to show me and impart to me during this time.
- God is kind, and sometimes His provision of rest and space are His kindness to us. I remember 1 Kings 19. Elijah was exhausted and burned out, and God gave him some space to sleep, eat and meet with God before he was given his next task.
Those are some thoughts from this waiting place. I’m confident that, soon, God will make His way plain and move me forward. He’s done it in the past, and He’ll do it again. So I thought I’d write from this place now, in the meantime!
And, in the meantime, I’m really grateful for some time to sleep, read and regroup! 🙂
God bless you! 😉
A note from Caroline: I drafted this post a few days ago, and the day after, things started moving!! But I thought I’d post it anyway, for those of you who may be waiting too! 🙂
Caroline Abblitt 