Have you ever found yourself waiting on someone for something to happen? Perhaps you were waiting for a raise, before you moved in to a bigger house… Perhaps you were waiting for your guy to propose, before you moved in with him… Perhaps you were waiting for the right girl, before you give your heart away… Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps. Have you ever found your self waiting for a situation to come and diagnose your complaint, as to why you were waiting and what you were waiting for? In other words, you have allowed your circumstances to dictate your life and waiting for someone to validate you, has become your demise. Let us evaluate…

In the waiting room… Life appears to be cold, and lonely, and you just can’t make out who your friends are because every one wears the same smile, the same lie, the same promise.

Isn’t it ironic how, while in this waiting area, you’re reminded of everything that is good, bad, and indifferent – so being diagnosed with more waiting comes as a surprised. You may be thinking… I work hard, so a raise can be expected (but nothing). Or better yet… I’m a good catch, a marriage proposal or even marriage is somewhere in my future (but nothing). And just when you think your waiting time should be over… You find yourself still waiting and asking the Lord, “How long will you torment me and crush me with mere words?!” (Job 19)

There have been several times that I have found myself in that waiting room of life. However, waiting for someone to validate you is a no win situation. Waiting for someone to love you, appreciate you, hug you praise you, and at times… Waiting for someone to just keep their word. Or waiting for someone to come around and just stop being such a jerk… Just waiting. And waiting… and waiting.

In my waiting, I actually acquired a certain kind of patience -through waiting for others. Not what I expected but, finally, I realized that waiting for my circumstances to change was just as ridiculous as it sounds. Instead of waiting, I start doing. I begin to do unto others as I would have them to do, and it is was there that I learned how to wait on the Lord! There is no comparison; in what God can do for you and in what you can do for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Better yet, “who are you waiting for?” And why wait?! Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin.

I had been guilty of giving my “personal power” away to people who didn’t care about me (or themselves, for that matter). I was giving my authority to things that did not (and could not) suffice my needs or happiness and through reading God’s word – The waiting area that had been holding me hostage, for years, had began to reveal itself to me. All that time, that I was waiting for my change to come, waiting brought about a change in me; with the renewing of my mind.

It didn’t take long for me to identify that our minds (as co-dependents) are conditioned to depend on each other, and in doing so, we have forgotten about our Lord and His promises. Had I even thought about myself, instead of depending on man,  I would have instantly realized, “God is our provider!” But God never leaves you. In any situation, you will find that you left; God is still there. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) And I can’t wait to see you at the finish line…

But, why is it that we are so quick to depend on man for what only God can do? Is it that we have lost our faith in God? Perhaps.. Through my experience, it’s quite interesting how the Lord has given us free-will. And if you decide to do things on your own, that’s your choice. But the moment you choose God, the scripture reads,”“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)  Now, who’s side are you on? Need I ask?! It’s a “win-win” situation.

There is nothing that can, will, or shall be done in your life; aside from what God has planned (and promised) for you. Doing things on our own, only comes with the best of your ability, and what you see work for others. Good luck with that..

“God has given unto you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)  So, with whom would you rather be delivered? From our God, who shall supply all of your needs? Or from a man, “who is but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”(James 4:14). I choose God everyday of My life! What is your life?

“For my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches and glory.” ( Philippians 4:19)  Without waiting on the Lord, we can become fidgety, angry, fearful, anxious, frustrated and filled with stress! “And God won’t bless no mess!” Why spend another moment in this state of mind?

Waiting on the Lord means that we have a confident expectation, based on knowledge and trust.  Without knowledge and trust, we simply won’t wait, at least not without a lot of anxiety, and without grabbing for that “quick fix!”

Our waiting will allow God to prove Himself on our behalf, over and over again.  He is so pleased when we go to Him, waiting expectantly for an answer. Psalm 130:5 says, “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope!” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Be steadfast, and unmovable. Let nothing move you. (1 Cor 15:58).

None of us enjoys the waiting room too much. It’s a land where time seems to just stand still. It’s a place where life is put on hold. When we’re in the waiting room, it seems as if any kind of progress comes to a screeching halt. Granted… We live in a very “I want it now!” society that has grown accustomed to getting immediate gratification: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I pray that you too, will learn to wait on Him and to rest in His goodness, His faithfulness and His sovereignty. He is such a good God, that He can not lie. He cares about you more than you could begin to imagine. He hears your prayers and He will be faithful to respond as you wait on Him.  Be at rest and know that He loves you and that His plans for you are good and way beyond what you could even begin to dream for yourselves!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Never look to man for what ONLY God can do. “He is able!”