ReflectionsSample

 Word of the Day: Waiting

Definition: The action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time, or until something else happens (google.com, 2015).

In all the scriptures that reference ‘waiting’, there is one common denominator: hope. The very act of waiting is not easy, especially when there is an urgent need, or strong desire for what you are seeking God for. As I browse through the scriptures, I find that the message of hope rings from them, which also serves as a reminder about the importance of remaining strong while in our season of the ‘wait’. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” The symbolism in this scripture is very encouraging. Having wings like eagles can symbolize a lot of things for people; however, for me this positive notion reinforces how great our God is! Eagles are fantastic creatures, known for their ability to soar. To soar also means to fly, ascend, climb, and rise. Get it? As I go through life, I sometimes forget just how powerful the Word of God is and how necessary it is to apply it to every situation. In this case: waiting. I have been guilty of making bad calls, gun-shotting moves and a plethora of bad decisions because of the trouble I had with waiting. Without balance, being a self-starter can sometimes get you into trouble. Therefore, it is so important to have and apply knowledge with wisdom. 

I am still learning in my own life to appreciate the actual process. Recently, I observed a colleague who was awarded with a position that I had been aligning myself with for some time now. It seemed like she just walked in and got it with no blood, sweat, or tears. I had been trying so hard to get into my field of study to gain more experience, but the door seemed to be shut in my face. I mean, I feel like I have a pretty extensive background and impressive résumé. To top it off, I even pursued a master’s degree in this discipline to display how serious I was about the position. But still, “No” was all I heard. I knew I could not be upset with her. She moved up the ladder, became a consultant and has given me valuable advice. I thanked her and made sure to congratulate her because I was genuinely happy for her. I did become a little discouraged because I felt like I wasn’t doing something right. However, turning to the scriptures really encouraged me and refilled my “hope tank.” Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” I realized that it was simply her time, and I need to stay focused on my journey. This experience has truly kept me on my toes and urged me to pray more. So, I encourage you while you are in your time of ‘waiting’ to NEVER lose hope. If you need to cry, let it out and make sure you tell Jesus all about it. Then, pick up your Bible and read it. Let it do what it is designed to do in your life. The Bible is a “life-book”, a source for all that you experience while on Earth. Do not be ashamed to run to it.

Action: When you are experiencing a moment of feeling like you are being overlooked, swept by or ignored, look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I am not forgotten.” Fast, pray and read your Bible.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for the resounding message of hope in Your word. It is such a relief to know that we can rest in hope when going through our various seasons, in this case- waiting. Please grace me to remember this and to embrace Your word even more. Help me to not be discouraged and never give up. Even when I have moments of despair, God, I ask that You send that second wind so that I can embrace peace and understanding about the situation and more importantly, about myself. Thank You for being there for me. I know that the doors You open, no man or devil can close. I will forever bless and magnify Your precious name. Amen. 

Affirmation: The Lord knows what is best for me and I trust Him to guide me in the direction that He wants me to follow.