The Gift of Waiting

"God has put dreams and desires in every person's heart. But most of the time, there is a season of waiting involved. Maybe you are waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married or waiting for a promotion. Much of life is spent waiting...." - Joel Osteen

I was sent this very beautiful piece of encouragement this morning by my beautiful mum. It's an extract from Joel Osteen's devotional 'Today's Word with Joel and Victoria Osteen'.

That last line is the truth - "Much of life is spent waiting".. Waiting or praying about something. Can you look back at your life and think of a time that you weren't expecting something or 'trusting' God for something? It's difficult right?

When?

Personally, looking back, I remember when the most important thing for me was being able to make good grades in school. Next, prayers changed to being able to gain admission into a great University. Following that, was to graduate with a good grade. After that, I needed a great job. Afterwards, I wanted a great man and a great marriage.. After this, there would be the desire for children and to conceive, next would be for them to be born healthy and then for them to be safe etc etc.. the cycle continues. The truth is that there's hardly a time in our lives that we are not hopeful about something, committing it in prayers and trusting God to answer!

Now, one of the things about prayer and answers from God is that we don't always know when the answer would come. We determine the course of action (prayer), we are assured that God will answer (Matthew 7:7), however, often times, what we cannot tell is when He will.. This is where the waiting comes in.

You and I can agree that waiting can be the MOST difficult thing! Argghhhhhhh.. Who invented waiting??! (You and I know who right?) lol

Nevertheless, just like everything God makes is good, waiting on God is good (don't shoot me yet!). Indeed, there are many benefits I have discovered in waiting. It's hardly ever a pleasant experience, but I believe that a lot of our character and strength is moulded in the place of waiting. Particularly, waiting on God!

1. You learn how to trust God more. You learn the power of pure dependence on God.

2. You learn how to be patient - Oh you do!

3. You learn how to pray (praise and fast!). Your walk with God is enhanced.

4. You appreciate your blessings.. Sometimes, it becomes more valuable.

5. You KNOW that the God that you serve is faithful indeed.

6. The gift is not the prize, the character you build in the process is the real gift of waiting.

... There are so many benefits of waiting and I enourage you to think about it, focus on that rather than on what is yet to come. Trust God, He is ever faithful. Know that He has only your best interest at heart. Has He made a promise to You expressly personal or through His word? He will definitely come through for you. It's only a matter of time.. Do not waste your gift of waiting in the place of idle anxiety.

May 2016 be good to you by the grace of God.

What's your waiting story? What have you learnt in the process? Please share...

Lots of love xxxx

PS Don't forget the Understanding Purpose Conference this Saturday, 16th of January, 2016. I'll be there, hope to see you!!

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