Waiting is the worst isn’t it?

How many times in Scripture do we find people just waiting? As I think through things, it seems to be a common theme. More often than not, they are waiting for freedom. Freedom from an oppressive government, an opposing force or army, freedom from prison, being in custody, a dry cistern or a lion’s den, right? Freedom from poverty, ridicule, pain, sin, guilt, a life on the run, fear, shame or regret? There are so many stories that rely on freedom. So many hearts longing for whatever comes next that just isn’t ‘this.’

But freedom rarely comes right at the moment we discover our need for it. Many times, God allows us a season to see our situation for what it is so that we discover more about our need for freedom from it and our need for Him to provide it.

Jesus prayed in the garden that God the Father would deliver Him from His suffering. But He would have to wait until it was fulfilled to be rid of the pain. There was no circumventing that pathway, and He knew it. Daniel had to first endure shame, mistreatment and sentencing, being tossed into the lion’s den before he would be liberated from their jaws & claws. Hannaniah, Mishael & Azariah (‘Rack, ‘Shack & Benny) had to endure the trial of the furnace before God stood with them and delivered them from it…as they stood in the flames.

There are so many other stories, real stories, that echo this same theme. God promises us delivery, but not always from the things we want to be delivered from or in the way(s) we would see it done. He has His own plans, His own ways for seeing things through. So, yes, pray for freedom. Pray for delivery, but know that we don’t know just how He will glorify Himself and see things accomplished.

Freedom may come in the moment we ask for it, or it may come at the 11th hour. Either way, God be praised!

Spoiler alert: Life isn’t a bed or roses or a plate of cupcakes. That was never part of the deal. But we can embrace the moments we find ourselves within so that we can prayerfully engage with God and seek His glory in them.

So, as you wait, as I wait, as we long for something different, don’t let the waiting keep you from seeing God’s handiwork in the moment. Don’t look so far ahead that you miss what He’s doing right now.

The desert may be harsh, but He shapes you in the journey, not after it. Seek your rhythm in waiting with Him, let Him take the lead & trust in His plans.

Peace.