Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

When I read that the subject of this issue of Shining Stars was going to be about waiting, I thought to myself, “Waiting, eh? That seems to be about all I’ve been doing lately.” I’m guessing that pretty much everyone is waiting for something most of their lives.

We read and hear about waiting on the Lord a lot. The idea is all through Scripture. But sometimes the concept can be a bit vague. “Wait on the Lord.” “Ok, I’m waiting…now what?”

Something I’ve been learning about waiting on the Lord is that it usually comes in two different forms. One form is the waiting on the Lord to fulfill His promises that He has given us in Scripture – He will provide for our needs, He will make our paths straight, He will take us to heaven someday – those sort of promises.

The other form of waiting is the one that we put upon ourselves by expecting things in our own timing. I’ll give you an example from my own experience: From the time I was very young, I had always wanted to get married really young, like eighteen or nineteen years old. This was a big dream of mine. I had given my desire to get married to the Lord when I was about fourteen, laying it down and telling the Lord that if He didn’t want me to get married, that was ok with me. I understood that if marriage was not in His plan for me, He would have some other fulfilling, and useful calling for me to do. I felt the Lord tell me that what I had done was good, but that marriage was in my future and to plan my life toward that calling. However, what I forgot to lay down was when I wanted to get married. Now I’m twenty six, seven/eight years after I had hoped to be married. I’m still very much single, with no obvious change in sight. I have had to change my heart and my expectations…and it’s a constant process of laying down my own will and being willing to wait for God’s timing. It’s very hard sometimes. As each birthday came and I got a year older, as I saw happy young couples together, as I see my younger sister-in-law with her three children, I have struggled to be patient.

As the years have gone by, the Lord has provided many wonderful and blessed opportunities for me. I taught private music lessons for twelve years and had the chance to work with and minister to many children and adults. I have been able to go to Israel three different times for a total time of six and a half months. My sister and I have led girl’s Bible studies, and been leaders in 4-H, and many other things. I have learned so much in the last few years. I can see the ways the Lord has led and blessed my life. But even with all this, I must still constantly exercise my patience and choose to trust in the Lord.

Not only am I learning to wait and trust about my future husband, but in many other areas as well. Right now I am in a place of more radical waiting. I have felt the Lord telling me to not teach, (this means not making money), to not make any kind of time commitments, to be open to whatever He has next. I have had this feeling for three months now, with no specific end in view. I have often asked, “Lord, how long should I wait? I have things I need money for, I have lots of things that I would love to do, I would love to start teaching again, etc.” Still all the answer I get is a quiet, “Wait.” So I am. I never thought it would be so difficult at times. And then, at other times it’s been a beautiful time of resting in Him, and learning, and reading a Bible that seems so alive.

Here are a few things I tell myself when I need to be encouraged.

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

The Lord has planned my life, down to its smallest detail. He even knows how many hairs are on my head.

He loves me and will work all things together for good.

I can look at the past and see His hand at work, why should I worry over the future?

He is faithful and true, and will make my paths straight.

Even if I could take matters into my own hand and make things happen, would I really want to? The answer is no. I know that He knows best, even when I don’t necessarily like it.

There’s a hymn that I sing a lot that really encourages me. Here’s a few of the words -

“I don’t know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day. I don’t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray. I don’t worry over the future for I know what Jesus said; and today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.

I don’t know about tomorrow. It may bring me poverty; but the One who feeds the sparrow is the One who stands by me. And the path that is my portion may be through the flame or flood; but His presence goes before me and I’m covered with His blood. Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”

Like I said, these have been some of my own experiences. I hope that, in some way, you are able to learn, or benefit, or be encouraged by them.

Be strong in the Lord, sisters. Be patient. Don’t accept what the world tells you, don’t let other’s opinions sway you. Trust the Lord and those He has put over you to lead and direct you. Be at peace. He will bring what you are waiting for, in His perfect timing.