As believers, the notion of “waiting on God” is part of our daily rhetoric and Sunday morning messages. While it may seem cliché, I would challenge you to examine your life to see if the evidence (fruit) is there. Knowing that God is in control and trying to live rightly does not equal total dependence on Him, just as knowing how to dance and dancing are two different things. I should know – until recently, I had been living in my own will. Did I love the Lord and try to live righteously upon the Lord’s truth? Yes, but I did so in my own strength.
It is so easy to say, “God, I will live for you and give you my life – but I want a say in it.” We fix our eyes on our own hopes and dreams without ever considering the destiny that God has laid out before us. To fulfill this destiny and become who we were created to be, we must face testing and trials; otherwise, we would never experience healing or growth. At some point, you will encounter a trial that stretches you to the very edge of your breaking point. It could be the death of a loved one, a prodigal’s flight, sickness, financial strain… no matter what it is, you will have a choice of how to respond.
Will you choose to run away from God and responsibility? Will you choose to curse your situation? Will you allow the enemy to play with your heart and mind? Will you sit in the puddle of your own tears and wither away?
Or will you choose to trust and wait on God?
I will admit: when my earth-shaking, glass-shattering event came, I fell into despair. There was nothing I could do – no way to reason or reconcile what was happening. I allowed negative voices to fill my head and the fear of what would come next darken my existence like hot tar poured over my being. The more that came, the more stuck in hopelessness and hurt I became. I lost sight of my destiny – my purpose. I welcomed the thought of death.
But then, the hand of God was extended into my darkness and He asked, “Will you trust me, daughter? Will you relinquish control of this situation and let me work?”
I wish I could say that I instantly overcame everything and immediately put my whole trust in God, but while agreeing or deciding to do something shows your humbled heart, you still must walk out what you’ve agreed to do. For a while I stayed seated in the darkness, but God’s light shone amidst it now. I knew I was not alone, and His hand stayed outstretched until I was ready to reach out and take it. And from that moment, He has led me through the darkness – past the wiles of fear and guilt and anger, and shame – and into a place of peace that surpasses all understanding, hope for the situation, joy for mourning, and an abundance of love amidst awaiting God’s move.
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
– Psalm 34:18
My circumstances should make me hopeless and full of despair. By all earthly wisdom, I should be bitter, angry, hateful, and traumatized. Nobody would blame me if I was. But God, in His infinite care for me and everyone involved showed me that love, forgiveness, hope, and trust in Him conquers all.
He showed me that my battle was not against the natural circumstances, but spiritual:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
– Ephesians 6:12
While you try to maintain control over a situation mentally or physically, you hinder God’s move. In understanding that this is a spiritual battle, not a natural one, you will recognize that only God can turn things around. You must let go of your will and control, trusting that God is working for the good of those who love Him.
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s…”
– 1 Samuel 17:47
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
– Romans 8:28
Your situation may look impossible. You may fear that reconciliation, healing, or answers that might not come. But know this: God can work any miracle, no matter how inconceivable, if we have faith, believe, and wait on Him. It is a process – not a race. When your heart is ready and totally steadfast on God, a move will come.
“So Jesus said to them, “…For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
– Matthew 17:20
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
– Matthew 19:26
While you go through your trial, it is imperative that you ask God to reveal what has been seeded or taken root in you. Repent, ask for forgiveness, and give your hurt and troubles to God. Release any guilt or shame – that is the enemy’s ploy to drag you back into darkness and has no place or authority over you. It’s okay to grieve, but don’t stay there. Take part in self-healing and self-care, all the while diving into your relationship with God without any hesitation or hinderances. Keep your eyes on God and ask that the Lord has His will in your life and your situation.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
Have hope. Whether you are someone running from God or trusting for the Lord to move, it’s not too late for a miracle to happen and it’s not too late to come home. But we must be willing to self-examine, give our burdens and fantasies of what the miracle or our destiny may look like, pray life and blessing into the situation, and wait patiently upon the Lord. Know that you have a destiny greater than anything you could ever imagine. He is with you amidst the storm.
– Jennifer Turner, Staff Writer
