UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON OF WAITING

Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors”—Proverbs 8:34

 

In America, the season of winter has set in.  During this time in much of our country, the cold north winds blow, ice and snow make driving and walking difficult.  The long wait for spring has begun.  Perhaps you are waiting an answer to prayer—for a job, improved finances, better health, or the salvation of a loved one.  Maybe you are anticipating the next step in God’s plan for your life, or the strength to finally overcome some habitual sin.

 

Whatever the case may be, as we look forward to the changes in the landscape that spring time will bring around us, it is a good time to also consider what seeds we have been sowing in our lives.  In our season of waiting, have we sown righteousness or sin?  Have we prepared to reap a harvest of spiritual fruit or the weeds of compromise? 

 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  For he who sows to his flesh, will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:7-9).  A man who had been sick with an infirmity for thirty-eight years lay at a pool of water.  He was waiting for an angel to stir the water hoping that one day he would be the first one to get into the water and be healed, but every time someone else would get into the water first because he had no one to help him.  One day Jesus saw him lying there and asked him a most important question, “Do you want to be made well?”  The sick man replied I tried to get to the water to be healed while the waters were being stirred, but each time someone get’s their before me.  Jesus said to him, “Rise take up your bed and walk.” The man was immediately healed.  (John 5:2-9). The waiting time for this man’s relief had come to an end.  A new season had begun in his life.

 

Waiting on God can seem like a long time, full of both temptations and blessings.  During this time of waiting it is important to have eyes to see and ears to hear how the Lord is leading you, as you trust Him for the future.  Spend as much time as possible reading His Word, in prayer and in fellowship with like-minded believers.   Other like-minded believers can be a source of encouragement and strength during your time of waiting.  As you spend time preparing your heart for the answer from your loving heavenly Father, make changes in your life according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  If you do, it will not be long until you will experience the joy of a fully ripened fruit and the days of your waiting will have come to and end.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are with me all of the time even in the darkest hour of my life.  I thank You that You never leave me or forsake me.  Lord, I ask you to strengthen me during this time of waiting in my life and I ask You to show me any needed changes that are needed, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.