Last week we discussed waiting, and how God is at work in the waiting seasons of life. You, like me, might be finding yourself in a waiting time… waiting on or for something. Maybe for this pandemic to be over. Or to return to our jobs. Or for a vaccine to be found for COVID-19. Maybe you are waiting for a birth, or for a loved one to be released from the hospital, or for the results of a medical test. One thing is for sure, waiting time is common to us all. Especially now.
The things is, though, I don’t want to waste this waiting time. I don’t want to wake up one day and wonder, where did the time go? What did I do while I was waiting? I want this time of my life to count for something, to continue to live within God’s plans and purposes, and to make an impact in this world. Even while I’m waiting. I’m guessing you desire the same.
So, how can we make this season count? How do we wait patiently, productively, and perseveringly? Because here’s the thing, how we wait matters.
What do we do in this waiting time?
I’ve shared this scripture before, as it’s one of my favorites. Paul wrote it regarding marriage and relationships, but in this translation, it also speaks to me in my current circumstances of waiting. I’m not attempting to twist scripture or change it to fit my circumstances, but to extend the hope that I believe God has for us all through it. Here it is:
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
I apply it in this way: God has me in this place, distancing at home in this season, and in this waiting time. I can either defy it and be miserable, or I can allow God to refine me through it. So, I might as well make the best of it, right? God is calling me to live and obey and love and believe, right where He has me.
Could He be calling you to do the same?
Because of this, our waiting time is not wasted time.
Taken from the above passage, let’s look at four ways our waiting time is not wasted time.
Live
How do we live in the waiting time? 6 suggestions in progression: 1) look at who you are, your gifts and talents; 2) look at the work God has given you to do; 3) sink yourself into that work; 4) don’t be too impressed with yourself; 5) don’t compare yourself with others; 6) live grateful. Taken from Galatians 6:4-5…
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Galatians 6:4-5 MSG
Obey
How do we obey in the waiting time? We continue to do what God has called us to do. Whether that’s to work from home or work on the front lines. Is it to serve others from a distance or serve your family at home? What is God prompting you to do? What’s stirring in your heart? Is there a nudge or a thought of action that just won’t go away?
Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
John 13:17 NIV
Love
How do we love in the waiting time? We love others well… our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, our followers on social media. When the world spews out hate, you and I scatter love. And we show it by sewing masks, by baking cookies for the front-liners, by donating food to a food pantry, by checking on our neighbors. Consequently, may all we do be saturated in love.
Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
Believe
How do we believe in the waiting time? In last week’s post I shared a fresh definition of waiting: to look forward expectantly. As we wait, we look forward and believe the best… the best in God, the best in others, the best in ourselves, and the best in our situations. We believe God is using this season for good, and as a result, we live our days out of that belief. And as we do, we share that belief with others to encourage, to inspire, to extend hope. Certainly, our belief helps others believe.
All things are possible, if you only believe.
March 9:23b VOICE
This time in life is not wasted time.
Oh, not at all. Friend, I pray you and I make every day of this waiting time count. For our growth, for the good of others, and for God’s glory.
How are you using this time of waiting? How is God prompting you today? I’d love to cheer you on!
God bless you in this season. Thanks for being here!
Much love,
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This is so good! And I need to apply it to my life before Corona and on the other side of it. Since retiring I’ve been waiting for the “next thing”. I need to be instead thinking how I can be productive in that waiting!! You’ve given me a lot to think about!
You’re doing great things already in the waiting time, Cindy! Your writing is encouraging many and you are loving your family and community in the ways you can. It doesn’t look like you’re wasting any time to me!