There is nothing that tests our patience like the word wait. Waiting is so hard, especially when we get frustrated as the wait continues. As soon as we open our eyes in the morning to when we close them at night, we are hyper-aware of what we are waiting for. We dedicate so much energy to looking for our blessings that we become obsessed and only focus on what we do not have. Are you waiting for a spouse, a child, a new job, better finances, or just not feeling stuck in life? Do you have tunnel vision?
Recently, I was at this point. I was getting frustrated waiting on God to end my single season and start the process of finding my husband. My DMs have been as dry as a stale piece of toast. I found myself praying, Okay, God… Where are You? You see and hear me, right? Have You forgotten about me? I started to lose hope because I could not see the end of the wait. After being vulnerable with God in prayer and some encouraging devotionals and YouTube videos, I found strength and hope to continue in my waiting.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: 11-13 (KJV)
Communicate your frustrations to the Lord.
Let us talk about Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, in 1 Samuel 1. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah & Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. In the culture of the Old Testament, barrenness was considered a social embarrassment and looked down upon. Not only did Hannah carry the shame of being barren, but she had to endure the cruel taunting from Peninnah. Peninnah would taunt her to the point that she could not even eat. Could you imagine carrying that shame and being taunted every day over something you could not control? How frustrated would you be? I mean, this was her life.
I want to look at verse 10, And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And the end of verse 15 … but have poured out my soul before the LORD. The description of her mental and emotional state leads me to believe she was frustrated with her circumstances and could have been angry. But, what she says in verse 15, I think, allowed her space to feel the care and love of God in her pain. She poured out her soul before the Lord. I can imagine her prayers being harsh and honest to the point that she wept. Her tears were the only thing left she could give to express how she felt.
God is big enough to handle our anger, frustration, jealousy, loneliness, and every other emotion we have. We do not have to be afraid of hurting His feelings when we need to release our pain. After all, He is our refuge and fortress. He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. We can trust Him with our vulnerability and allow Him to love and care for us. We have to get comfortable sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly with God. It is what He wants from us as our loving Father.
Remember that there is purpose in the wait.
Let us take a quick look at Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Describing his experience as unfair is an understatement. He has to face one challenge after another without catching a break. Think about it. He had two dreams that showed him in a powerful position with his brothers bowing to him. His brothers hated him so much that they wanted to murder him but settled on selling him as a slave to the Egyptians. He was working as a slave and doing very well… until he gets accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife because he rejects her. (Bitter much?!) Now at the end of chapter 39, he is in prison. In my opinion, Joseph had every right to be frustrated and even angry. I mean… he did not do anything to deserve this. Then chapter 41:1 says, And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed… Let us go down to verse 14, Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. This is what he was waiting for. If you continue to read, Joseph is promoted to second in command. Only Pharaoh was above him when it came to the throne. Do you see it?
How did Joseph gain knowledge about Egyptian culture and how they ran things? Do not forget he was a Hebrew. He became knowledgeable by working for Potiphar in his house. Where did he discover and develop his skill of administration? While working for Potiphar and serving in prison. When do you think was the best time for God to build a relationship with Joseph without any distractions? I would say while he was alone in prison waiting. Joseph gained everything he needed in the not-so-fun parts of his life.
Can you imagine the God-sized opportunities you could be ready for if you looked at your waiting season as a preparation season? I am not promising it will be easy or that you will be the next president, but how much more grateful and prepared would you be when you make it to your chapter 41. I challenge you today to commit to looking for and focusing on the purpose of your wait. God does not do anything without purpose.
Prayer: Lord, I want to thank You for being a God that wants us to be vulnerable with You. Thank You for having a purpose for us even in our wait. We ask for Your strength to hold on to our faith and hope when we get weary during the wait. Help us pour our hearts out to You when waiting becomes a burden. We ask that You help us see the purpose in our waiting. We pray this was a help to someone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Are you having a tough time waiting for God to answer a prayer? Have you started to lose hope? What are your thoughts? Let us talk about it! Leave a comment and let me know what is on your mind. If you have any suggestions for topics you want me to cover, let me know. I want to hear from y’all!
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God always has you and will never leave you!
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