What do traffic lights, doctors surgeries and online deliveries all have in common? They keep you WAITING!! Funny isn’t it. In our insanely fast paced world, we still have to wait for stuff. Even in a restaurant, who are you served by? A waiter. In century 21, good things still take time.
Currently, I’m finding myself in a season of waiting. Personal health challenges have really battered me over the last 6 months. The medical people are still trying to get to grips with what’s going on. The main symptom has been serious fatigue which has resulted in me having to pause a large portion of my life, including postponing my teacher training course.
I’m still serving at church every Sunday. See, being planted in God’s house is a non-negotiable, even in this tough season. For me, it’s all the more important since this is my community which I absolutely love. Yet because my energy levels have been badly depleted, some of my responsibilities are currently on hold. I just thank God for pastors who love me and stick by me no-matter what, behind the scenes where no-one else really gets to see. I can tell you, the Junction Church is seriously blessed with the best of the best.
Yet, for the first time in my previously energetic life, I have found myself in a period of waiting. Waiting for a miracle, waiting for the doctor’s report, waiting for recovery. I didn’t choose this struggle. But this is where I am.
So instead of denying the wait, here are 4 lessons I’m learning to embrace. I hope my reflections help you:
1. Patience is a virtue.
You can’t always do a lot about your circumstances. However, you CAN control your response. Patience is the manifestation of self-control, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
2. Prayerfulness needs to be a priority.
In order to manage the tension of waiting, prayer must take a precedence. In periods of waiting, anxiousness can quickly develop. Yet when we pray, we exchange our apprehensions for the peace of God. This is a peace which transcends understanding. It’s a life saver!
3. Perspective is crucial.
What has really helped me develop perspective in my season of waiting has been to focus on God. I remind myself of what God has done, can do and will do. When we focus on Jesus, we recognise that waiting is a season, not a destiny.
4. Pain is part of the process.
The truth is, waiting hurts, especially for a guy like me. It’s frustrating not knowing what’s actually going on with my once fit and healthy body. It’s arduous sleeping 3/4 hours in the day, 10 hours a night, waking up and feeling exhausted. Waiting for your miracle hurts. Yet the pain of the process reminds me I’m alive. Waiting is a refiner of character. No, it’s not pleasant. But it makes us better. Read a great blog about this HERE http://junctionchurch.net/2017/06/07/god-wounds-roy-todd/
Whatever you’re believing for in your life, lets learn the art of patience. God is at work. Have the courage to trust him. We’re gonna get through this. Keep going!!
