wait.

wait.

The definition of wait: stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens; used to indicate that one is eagerly impatient to do something or for something to happen; to stay in a place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something etc.

“Wait” was my word for the year of 2016 (and yes, I know I’m extremely late to posting this). When I felt the Lord telling me what my word was, I had no idea all of the lessons He was going to teach me this past year and that He could teach me (but usually that’s the case, isn’t it?). It was all outside of my limited knowledge, but the Lord knew exactly what I needed.

This year was FULL of waiting! When choosing this word, I thought the Lord was telling me to pick it, in order to learn to wait and be patient when waiting for Mr. Right to come along. I will say Mr. Right did not show up this year, but I learned to wait in so many other ways, I didn’t even think possible. And I’m thankful for that.

Here’s a list of some of the things I waited for:

1. Mr. Right
2. Healing of my anxiety
3. Healing for my grandma
4. Healing for my grandpa’s cancer
5. An answer about whether I was supposed to go to Cambodia or not
6. Funds for my Cambodia trip to come in
7. An answer on whether I was supposed to come home from Cambodia or not
8. Strength and energy to be restored during my depression

These are a just a few of the things I waited for. The Lord brought some of these to fruition, and some He did not.

Whether I got what I was waiting for or not, I learned and grew in what “wait” means. I learned that that waiting is not always easy but it’s a necessity. God grows you in the waiting. It’s an essential in our spiritual walk. Waiting builds perseverance, builds patience, builds trust, builds dependence, and builds our character. And to be honest, I’m still learning all of this.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

So what does this mean? There is a need to trust God. His timing is perfect. He is working constantly, even in the silence. His wisdom and plans are so outside of our limited circle of knowledge. We can’t expect to know what He is doing 24/7, but I can promise you He is moving and working on your behalf because He is FAITHFUL.

He loves you. He has a plan. That I promise you.

I don’t know where you are at, and what you are waiting on at this moment. It could be for a husband or wife, for a family member’s salvation, a baby, a sickness to be healed or anything in between. But I can tell you one thing, God knows. He knows your wants. He knows your desires. He’s working everything out. I promise.

This year has been full of waiting and lessons that I am so very thankful for. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has this coming year as I walk through the word “refuge.”

I want to leave you with a song by John Waller. This song has been one of my theme songs this year, and I hope it blesses you, like it blessed me.

“I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord”