Next Generation LeadershipSample

Why Waiting is Valuable

Joseph went through slavery and prison before he saw his dream come true. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness growing closer to God before the exodus. David was anointed king as a boy yet had to wait roughly 20 years to reign over the entire nation. All of these men, and more, waited for God to mold them into the person they needed to be before they could move into their dream.

In contrast, there are a few who did not wait and we see the kind of disaster it brought upon them. Saul was thrust into immense power quickly, and because his foundation was not strong he tumbled far. It was impatience and needing instant gratification that cost Esau his birthright. Subsequently, Jacob was haste in stealing the birthright and blessing that belonged to Esau. The list could go on.

The Bible is filled with stories about waiting on God. We see great value in patience and endurance. Rarely did a dream come quickly, and when it did, it often ended in disaster. I've watched this play out in my own life so vividly that I know waiting is valuable.

Here is what waiting for a dream produces:

1. Growth - As we wait we mature. Through our experiences we gain wisdom and perspective. There is much that should take place between the conception of a dream and its birth. If not, when birthed it will not be fully developed and ready to thrive out there in this big world. Don't rush through the season, no matter how hard it is, to get where your heart longs to go. If you do, you won't be fully prepared for what God has in store and will likely fail in your own attempts at achieving it. Allow time for growth to take place.

2. Lessons - We often learn our greatest lessons in the desert. We stumble and find our way as we lean on Him. Waiting allows time for God to teach us valuable lessons we must learn if we are to step into the calling placed on our life. Don't rush the season and miss what God wants to teach you.

3. Wisdom - Waiting produces wisdom. In the moments nobody sees but God, we are being stretched and pruned for a great calling. Wisdom can't be bought or inherited; it's given by God through His Word. You'll need wisdom desperately as you step into roles and callings that are far beyond your education and experience.

I can't stress enough the value in waiting! Truth is, God's timing requires patience.