Waiting…

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. – James 1:4

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We have all become familiar with waiting these days—waiting for test results, for quarantine to be over, for the opportunity to return home, for life to go back to some semblance of normalcy.

But I believe God is using this time to teach us the value of waiting, of learning patience in all things.

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He’s certainly teaching me to wait patiently…

…for answers to prayer.

I would love instant reassurance that those I love will be physically and financially safe and secure during this time. Instead, I must continue to pray, and wait.

…for the right time to speak.

More time at home with my husband and children has meant more opportunities to either strengthen our relationships, or tear them down. Often, we must be patient with each other and wait for the right time to speak.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. – James 1:19

…for tasks to be completed.

I am a planner and a doer. I am uncomfortable with resting and relaxing. But I should be taking advantage of this time to do so, and to enjoy the break from our normal busy pace of life. This time has presented an opportunity to spend more time with the Lord and with my family. Work is good, but I do not need to work all the time. Sometimes, it can wait.

…for faith to grow.

For me, this has been a time of attempting to trust God completely – and more than that, to rest in him. We can only have God’s perfect peace if we trust him with our hearts, health, and finances.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. – Psalm 27:14

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What is God teaching you something through this time of waiting and wondering? I welcome your thoughts as always.