What to Do When We Are WaitingNäide

Finding Purpose in God’s Waiting Room

In our journey with God, we often encounter periods of waiting. The apostles, instructed by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem, exemplify this perfectly. Their waiting was a period rich with purposeful action within the boundaries set by the Lord. The first thing I want to show you is that waiting periods are not inactive periods.

Waiting is often misconstrued as a time of stagnation, a pause where nothing significant happens. Yet, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. During their wait, the apostles were engaged in various activities: they prayed, studied, discussed, and prepared. Their waiting was a time of active engagement, not passive inaction.

This lesson is crucial for us. Waiting periods are not wasted periods meant for us to sit idly, feeling as though we’re merely spinning our wheels. Instead, these periods offer potential opportunities for growth, learning, and deepening our relationship with God. You may think waiting is pointless, but that’s where it’s important to remember that we are those who walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are not promised to know how the future unfolds, but we know Who holds the future.

God has a purpose for every season in our lives, including the times when we feel restricted or hemmed in. These are not moments to disengage but to seek God’s purpose and to stay active in our faith. If you find yourself in a waiting season, reflect on how you can use this time productively. Could it be a time for deeper prayer, studying God’s Word, serving others in new ways, or simply being still and knowing that He is God? Where can you see clearly the need to obey Him in your life?

Waiting periods do not have to be inactive periods. They are divine appointments for us to engage in different, perhaps more introspective, activities. They are times to realign our hearts and minds with God’s will, prepare for what’s ahead, and ensure that when the time for action comes, we are spiritually and practically ready. As you wait, ask yourself: “How can I use this time to serve God and grow in my faith? “What should I be doing?”