How Much Longer?

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Waiting for the test results from the doctor. Waiting for the job interviewer to call back. Waiting for your toddler’s fever to break. Waiting for your teenager to come home at night. Waiting for the answer to a prayer.

What is going to happen? We don’t know. We fear the possibility of bad news at the end of a wait. Life is not fair, for some there are trials and for others celebrations. Not knowing—waiting—is the hardest part.

How can you move past the worrying and wondering to find a place of peace? What do you do while you wait? I have discovered several ways to wait. I pout and scream and cry. Not very helpful. I get quiet, go for a walk and clear my mind letting God in. Better. I do my daily work with purpose, like making a home cooked meal for my family. Finally I seek out others who need my help. Active waiting like these last examples helps ease my frustration.

Slowly, first by the hour, then by the day, and finally by the week the wait gets easier. Small diversions: fresh flowers, good music, a satisfying meal and big distractions: sending my son off to college, caring for my aging mother fill my waiting with purpose. I still wait for an answer to my prayer but I feel movement and change over time. I found waiting with God holding my hand and heart surpasses waiting alone for there is peace with Him beside me.

Dear Father, as I wait draw close to me and let me feel the peace that passes all understanding. Give me your grace and calm so I can actively wait for the answers you have already planned. Amen.

Posted 9/20/2007 @ 9:05 AM | Weekly Thoughts