In The Waiting

In The Waiting. By Anne Cox

Have you ever been in a season of waiting for what feels like forever? I spent the past several years in my "desert season," not because it had been a drought and I couldn't feel God's presence. But instead, I felt as though I was placed in a season of solitude, learning to be content on my own while He taught me to rely solely upon Him. His pruning and teaching during this season have been life-giving. It led to hope, trust, patience, humility, and meekness. I had some sweet and ugly moments where I learned the value of repentance and how jealousy, anger, hatred, and envy can consume one's life and harden the heart. I've grown distant at times throughout my pruning season and what was intended to be a period of solitude and seeking turned into isolation and resentment. I became consumed with fear and doubt as I had little trust and faith that God would provide for me; I was undeserving.

I spent countless evenings lying in bed trying to figure out what was next for me, what was I going to do with my life, and wondering if there was a greater purpose to my mess. Questioning if His promises were true for me. This is not what God intended for, and throughout the process, He never left my side. He was the only constant and was constantly tugging at my heart; he spoke to me, but I was not listening or receiving it. Throughout the waiting, God has been so incredibly faithful; he provided blessings, taught lessons on forgiveness of myself and others, and gave me overwhelming peace. During this season, I was shown glimpses of my future. It is bright, far greater than anything I have prayed for, and one that excites me.

Does that mean I know what it holds? No, I simply trust His plan, timing, and purpose. Sometimes we have to go into our hiding place to seek Him and cry out. You have to trust, be patient, and wait because His timing is perfect. He is a Father, a Friend, and He will always lead us through the fire. He is our living hope. He is faithful in all circumstances, even when we continuously break His heart by choosing our way. He is relentless, and He will continue to choose us over and over again. He is more significant than all our doubts and mistakes. He is good; without Him, we are nothing but with Him, we are enough. Repeat that, with God, you are enough. He is our strength when we are weak; he is greater than the battles we fight. He is our light in the darkness and our calm during the storms.

Everyone's journey is different, but we will all face hardship throughout our lives. Whether you endure financial problems, infertility issues, health conditions, divorce, loss of a loved one, or unanswered prayers, remember that He is always faithful and ever-present no matter the circumstance. Every action God takes is steady and true; every word He speaks is good, knowing that should provide great Joy. During seasons of waiting, even if God calls you into solitude, relationship and community with others are crucial. Speaking from a woman whose circle is small and whose heart is guarded, God clearly spoke to me and taught me that we were not made to do life alone.

 We were created to be in community and are called to be unified with other believers. Being vulnerable, raw, and authentic is a challenging but essential part of being. Rid yourself of the fear of judgment, rejection, and being hurt; these thoughts are not from God. He does not instill a spirit of fear within us. The human in us will experience shortcomings; we will be let down and let others down. Don't let pride get you when you fall short; ask for forgiveness from those you have wronged for your own internal peace.

Being in a season of waiting is not intended to be wasted time but rather an opportunity to put your faith into practice while waiting in anticipation of God's future for your life. He's in the waiting preparing us for what’s ahead.