Usually, when I find myself waiting it appears as though nothing is happening.

• When you’re waiting on the stoplight, you’re not driving.
• When you’re waiting on the kids, you’re not leaving.
• When you’re waiting on the food, you’re not eating.

Sure, these common every day waiting experiences may not seem like much, but other times waiting is a much more difficult and enduring process.

• You’re waiting on the results from the doctor.
• You’re waiting on a phone call from your teenager.
• You’re waiting on word about the job.

Waiting is part of life.  I’m not sure I know anyone who really enjoys the waiting process.  Waiting feels like nothing is happening. It’s as if there is a momentary stoppage that could last forever!

Waiting can leave you frustrated.  It can cause you to become anxious about a circumstance.   It can also leave you defeated with a desire to just give up and quit.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

Waiting is not a passive experience, but an active adventure.  Something is happening while you wait.  It may not be evident in the outward circumstances, but something is definitely taking place inwardly while you wait.

Your heart gains courage.

King David found himself waiting.  He was anointed to be king of Israel, but had to wait two decades before taking the throne.  Can you imagine that?

Notice what David said about the waiting experience. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

When you wait, your heart gains courage.  Your heart grows in a confident trust that God is in control.  Your heart becomes more courageous that whatever the outcome of the wait, God has a plan and His timing is perfect!

Your strength is renewed.

Waiting can be physically draining, but it can also be spiritually renewing.  Waiting can actually be the catalyst to start a revival in your soul.

Isaiah 20:31 “Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength…”

When we take matters into our own hands, worry about a situation, or force a desired outcome we are drained. However when we wait up on the Lord our strength is replenished, our spirit is renewed, and our hearts are revived.

Your soul finds rest.

“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7

Your soul finds rest because waiting forces you to let God move first.  If you arm-wrestle with God you’ll exhaust your energies. When you wait on the Lord, you allow Him to freely work in your life giving your soul the opportunity to rest.

So, what are you waiting on? What are you waiting for?  Make it known to the Lord and wait on Him!

He’s never late.  He won’t be early.  And He always wins at arm-wrestling.