Year-end holidays are over; a new year has begun. Many resume their daily routines. Yet others find themselves in that place in between. Unsettled they rummage through the pieces of their life, trying to find some order and purpose to it all. Worry tries to rob them of any forward movement – any steps toward God’s best for them.
I’ve been in that now what? place – more than once in my life. Heart-broken, disappointed and lacking self-confidence I stumbled through false starts. While it’s not the most comfortable place to be, with eyes to the past I see them as my most vibrant seasons of spiritual and personal growth. It was in that place between what was and what was yet to be that I heard what I adopted as my life verse, Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. (Isaiah 40:31 AMP)
Lessons Learned – Sharing Hope
Wait for the Lord
What? Me wait? Didn’t make sense to me. I’m a woman of action – of decision – an overcomer. And yet, there I was in search of an open door, in search of something that would take me away from the pain. I wanted to get lost in a purpose, a cause. I wanted to matter. I wondered, had God forgotten me? Was it something I did wrong? How could I do better? The answer: there was nothing I could do to make God love me more and nothing I could do to make Him love me less. His “love never fails” (1 Cor 13:8)
There’s never a teardrop that God doesn’t see. He knows when a sparrow falls from a tree. There’s never a moment when God doesn’t care, never a time when he won’t hear our prayer. – Unknown
I learned that waiting is an action step; it’s a choice to trust the One that would lead me to my next step. Waiting took on many forms over the years. Initially it was all about spending time with Him. I prayed, I journaled, I read devotionals, studied God’s Word and shared newfound knowledge with anyone who would listen. To wait also means to serve. As soon as I agreed to serve, like a magnet – opportunities came to me.
Walk and Not Grow Tired
When we decide to trust God for our next steps, it’s amazing how much we accomplish. Without fear, uncertainty and doubt, we begin to discover joy in the journey. God gives us just enough direction and we let go of the outcome.
We begin to notice the basics… self-care, nurturing relationships. As I like to say, we then either do the last thing God asked us to do, or we focus on our basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. If we are willing, we will know what to do.
Run and Not Become Weary
Then that day comes… the ah-ha moments begin to bubble up inside us. We know that we know what our next God assignment is. It fills our soul to overflowing. Ideas come rushing in. We get it – this is a God-size dream and we can’t accomplish it without Him. We start operating in the sweet spot of our calling. Lyrics rise to the surface and I sing: Jesus Culture – Happy Day (can’t help myself; I love to sing)
“Oh Happy Day… And oh, what a glorious day, what a glorious way, that You have saved me… Forever I am changed!”
We begin to operate without hesitation. On God’s timetable, suddenly it all falls into place.
And then… We Wait – Back to that Place In Between
Serving a God of order, we are suddenly back to that place in between. Resting in Him we repeat the cycle and serve while we wait for next steps. Has he forgotten us? Not hardly. God says you matter.
“Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?” (Matt 6:26 TPT)
What Season Are You In?
My prayer is that my personal reflection has encouraged you. No matter where you are – waiting, walking, running – may you always recognize the God who leads you – may you walk in faith and obedience so that you also discover the joy in the journey.
Not sure where to begin? I can help with that. Schedule a coaching session to explore your options and put a plan in place.
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Photo by Noah Silliman
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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