“I’m tired of being in limbo.”
I spoke those very words to my husband two days ago. And they were nothing but the truth.
I was tired of feeling stuck. I was frustrated how “my plans” weren’t progressing like I thought they should be. I was beginning to question if I had missed something important. Something important from God. Like a “turn here” sign, or a “turn around, you’ve missed it” warning. I was weary of feeling cast aside.
“Limbo” can be disheartening, discouraging, and a down-right difficult place to hang out in.
If you’ve been there, or have spoken similar words as above, then you know exactly what I mean.
limbo :: a place or state of oblivion to which persons or things are as being relegated when cast aside, forgotten, past, or out of date; an intermediate, transitional, or midway state or place
Six months have passed since I was laid off from a job I thoroughly enjoyed. Applying for 37 jobs during this time, and receiving little to nothing from my effort has challenged my tenacity. The truth is, I don’t just want any job. I want the job God wants for me.
During these months, I’ve written my little heart out. It’s been a refreshing time of co-writing with God, and watching in awe His work. I began the book that has been simmering deep within me, and as I walk this process of writing out, He’s teaching me much.
But yet, there’s a deep-down feeling I’m in a holding pattern. Like there’s something else I’m to be doing. As if I’m tucked in a place where I am to sit and wait. Friend, let me tell you, this waiting place isn’t an easy spot for me.
Maybe you know exactly how this feels. The dream that’s in your heart isn’t quite coming together. Your plans appear to be falling apart. It’s the umpteenth day of driving to work feeling, “There’s got to be more to life than this right now.” You’re believing God has big plans for your life, but you’re not finding direction.
And so you wait. Waiting for what seems like an eternity. Waiting for God to show you the next move to make.
That’s me right there.
But this morning, I was reminded of a truth I have hanging in my office. And it’s one of my favorites.
Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. 1 Corinthians 7:17 MSG
Could it be?? I’ve been looking at limbo all wrong??
A new thought for me is this: Times of limbo aren’t necessarily bad.
They can be times of growing, preparation, blessing, and refreshment. God might just be doing something amazing behind the scenes that we can’t see yet.
We’re not being set aside, but instead, set apart. Set apart for God’s next big move in our lives. Set apart for what only He can accomplish through you and me.
All we need to do is to live and obey and love and believe right there.
Right there in limbo.
Friend, God hasn’t forgotten you. He has you right where He wants you.
I pray we find rest in this truth today, and be encouraged by His words.
Much love,
Julie
It’s a joy to link this post with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday on the subject of limbo. It’s a great day to #livefree!
Julie, that verse in The Message translation is gold. Thanks for sharing it wih us. — Praying for you now. May God open up doors for you to use your gifts and help provide for the needs of your family. Hugs
Lyli, you are so sweet. Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by and sharing, and I appreciate your prayers! You’ve blessed me. Yes, that verse in that translation encourages my heart often. Blessings to you!
I love this encouragement and honesty, Julie! Thank you for the beautiful and timely reminder! #livefreeThursday
Bless you, Crystal, for stopping here and encouraging me. Seeing your beautiful smile here is always a bright spot to my day. May God encourage you as you encourage others!
You are so right. He’s never forgotten us. Loved your blog today.
Thank you for your words and for joining our conversation today. I’m so glad He’s never forgotten us! Blessings to you!
Oh my gosh Julie! These are my exact thoughts! After retiring I just felt God had something great planned for me to do in this new stage of life. A year and a half later I’m still waiting! Oh the doubts I have about myself! The fears, disappointments, and tears. Like you I am slowly coming to the realization the my “great thing” just might be doing the little things. I’m trying to look at it in a new way. Still a work in progress but your words are true encouragement to my soul!!!
Oh, Cindy, I’m so thankful. I’m thankful these words encouraged you and helped you see there’s more in your time of waiting. I love how God seems to put what we need right in front of us when we need it. I’m praying God continues to reveal His next step for you in His plan. There’s no need to doubt you, or your future. He’s got it all planned out. What a blessing that very truth is to us all. Thanks for sharing a bit of your heart here. It’s an honor to walk together today!
Being in a state of waiting is sometimes what God wants for us. A time for reflection, a time of rest perhaps, until He shows us the way ahead and what He expects of us. Being in waiting is in itself an example for others to see in us, and perhaps emulate.
God bless you.
Great point, Victor! God can use us as an example for others in waiting. I’m thankful He’s in control and I don’t have to be. I’d mess it all up. Thanks for stopping by for a few minutes today. Have a great finish to your week!
So good!
Thanks, Suzie!
Great post Julie. I’m praying for peace for you as you settle into your limbo, until God’s timing changes things. You are always so encouraging, even when you have something you are struggling with and I appreciate you so much.
And yes, I’ve been there, still am, and its been 2 plus years. Living my dream of being a wife and mother, but realizing I need a 2nd dream for when the nest empties. I don’t have one, but am waiting for God to provide direction. In that time though, I’ve gone through hard but necessary growth. Set apart… I like that.
Kim, thank you for your prayers of peace for me. God is moving, and I’m excited to see what He’s up to. I’ll be praying for you, too. For your 2nd dream. God has plans for you and they are good! Yes, we are set apart for Him! Bless you, friend.