Trusting in the waiting

Everyone goes through periods of waiting... whether that is waiting on a new job, new house, a marriage, the birth of a child, etc. we are almost always waiting. I am currently in what has felt like a long season of waiting, but I am so thankful because in the waiting, God has been teaching me how to trust Him through it.

I was reminded of this truth while reading through Exodus 7-9 with the Bible Recap (a great resource by the way, so good!)

God told Moses and Aaron that he would deliver the Israelites out of Egypt and to the promised land, but to do this God would harden Pharoh's heart so he would not let the people go. Not only that but everytime Pharoah's heart was hardened, God sent plagues on the Egyptians. That meant a long period of waiting and seven plagues before the Israelites could leave! I am sure they (both the Egyptians & the Israelites) felt disappointed and weary from what they had to face while waiting.

I have also felt disappointed in this season of waiting. It is so hard to remain patient while trusting in the Lord, that his best is yet to come. I am sure many of you can relate to this.

In a commentary from the Bible Recap for Exodus 7-9, Tara Leigh-Cobble writes, "We're often far less patient with God than He is with everything. We try to rush His plan, and we mistrust His heart. Still, he's with us in the struggle and the waiting which means there can be joy in those moments!"

What a joy to know and be reminded that God is with us in the waiting! But, how do we practically trust Him in the waiting? Something that has helped me recently is praying through scripture. God's Word is so powerful and active (2 Timothy 3:16) in every struggle that we have. Look at how Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks to trust:

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Pray through this verse with me, and see how God can transform your waiting period into a trusting period.

Lord, I am in a season of waiting, help me to trust in you. I lay down my desires, fears and worries at your feet, and trust that they are much better off in your capable hands. Lord help me not to lean on my own understanding, the plan you have for me is much greater than anything I could imagine. I trust that your plans are good and they work together for my good. Lord, I submit to you, I lean and depend on you because I can do nothing out of my own strength. Lord make my paths straight and lead me in paths of righteousness for your name's sake. Amen.

I pray that you learn to trust and lean on God in this period of waiting. To do this, it is not a one-time prayer, you have to make a conscious decision every single day to trust God!