Waiting is the worst. There are few things in this world that gets my stomach tied up in knots more than waiting. I have my genetics to thank for that one. My parents, though they have many exceptional qualities, have proclaimed waiting in line as their personal enemy. Thus, patience was always a tough one growing up. Whether it was waiting for lunch or waiting for our family vacation, I was constantly pacing and double checking the clock hoping time would go by just a little bit faster. I have only slightly outgrown this.

I’m in a season of my life where waiting is a dominant state of being. Waiting to hear back from all the summer job applications, for finals week to come and go, and mostly for answers to big decisions. I’m telling you, it's the worst.

However, my character is constantly being refined in the waiting. I’m learning to be content in my position, to acknowledge that where I’m at right now has a purpose and I should just enjoy it. Although, that’s easier said than done. Especially considering that I’m a fretter, if there’s not an immediate answer to my situation, then something must be terribly wrong. 90% of the time, this isn’t even the case. In fact most of the time, it’s because I’m simply not ready to proceed to the next stage, so the Lord, in all His grace, holds the answer back awhile til I’m ready.

Waiting is rough, but thankfully we have God who, honestly, is just waiting for us to come to Him and ask for help. He understands the real life struggle of patience. In all reality, when I’m a mess of emotions, nerves and what ifs, He’s there to talk me down off the mental cliff I have climbed. He reminds me of His patience as the Father waiting for His prodigal children to come home to Him (Matthew 15:11-24). He reminds me that my patience in suffering turns to perseverance, which is character and will be hope in Christ (Romans 5:2-5). Finally that He is fighting for me, I need only to be still (Exodus 14:14).

His encouragement through His Word reminds me that I’m not alone in my waiting. That even in it’s uncertainty and it’s confusion, He is there standing with me. He speaks to my heart, emphasizing His faithfulness in the past and mostly that my fretting never does any good because He is in control. I can trust that whatever the answer is, that it’s what’s best for me because of how He loves us so.

In my waiting I can recall where God has shown up to encourage me while I sit, reaffirming His plans for my life and His unconditional love. He uses the waiting to draw me near to Him. He gives me an opportunity to lean on His strength, to cry out to Him in frustration and to receive a response of hope. He’s well aware of waiting. Waiting for life moments, waiting for others to catch on, and waiting while being torn apart by others. His patience can be an example to us, to me, of what it means to be truly long-suffering.

Therefore, friends, if you’re anything like me, just take a deep breath and rest - your answer will come when the time is ready and not a moment later.