If you’re living and breathing then you will likely at some point or another find yourself in a waiting place. Perhaps you’re there now. But did you know God had you there? After all, He is the one who placed the desire in your heart for that long awaited station you cannot seem to get to quick enough. We all know that God’s timing is perfect. We’ve heard it a billion times! But it doesn’t make the attitude of waiting any easier, does it? Waiting still stinks.
I’ve found myself in a waiting place lately. On one hand, I’ve never felt such peace. To have a calling, or a dream, and to have that excitement is refreshing. It’s like, if I can just get there, I’ll be good. So the waiting for something great is still better than feeling lackluster stuck in a situation that no longer brings you joy. Over time, though, that excitement builds (or perhaps threatens to dull), and you find the anticipation brings an impatient longing.
When, Lord? When will we get from Point A to Point B?!
So everyday you pray.
Please, Lord. Please get us there.
You pray from a place of faith always, but you also recognize it’s this pleading petition that borders on the brink of worry. It’s this repetitive prayer, that while persistent in a positive way, also sounds a little whiny even to you. Am I right? It kinda reminds you of the kids asking if it’s Christmas yet.
So what do you do when God has you in a waiting place, and you know that the waiting is good, but it’s still simply and honestly hard to wait?!
I’ve heard you surrender the situation, and I’ll bet you’ve probably heard that one too. You lay down the task of waiting, and you say, “God, I know you’re timing is perfect, so I’m laying it down to you.” But what exactly are we laying down?
Today my husband sent me a text of a prayer he was praying. Technology, right? We were joining together in prayer via text, and I wrote back to him my agreement with him, directed to the Lord. But one phrase in his text really stuck out to me. Like, it might as well have been in bold letters.
He said, “I let go of any anticipation I have for where you’re taking my family.”
He mentioned letting go of control too, but that one other word really got me.
Anticipation
He was willing to let go of the one thing that made waiting easier! I mean, that’s what makes waiting bearable, right? The prize at the end. It’s like pregnancy and childbirth. Women can deal with the horrendous ordeal of it all because of the baby that comes at the end. Swollen feet, heartburn, and the ring of Fire in your nether region is minuscule when compared to a little life with your tiny, upturned nose. Anticipation for the end result made waiting seem not quite so bad, but my husband was giving that to God as well.
So I followed suit, and as I sat on my knees praying to the Lord I let go of even my excitement. After all, He was the one who placed it there. He placed the desire for a new dream in my heart. It was His. He placed a calling on the lives of His children, and if I was going to surrender the situation in its entirety then I even needed to give my heart’s desire into His hand. I let go of my anticipation, which can often times lead to a nervous, impatient energy, and simply rested in the truth of His word.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Nan Burcham Dillingham says
Love this!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
A.P. says
This is excellent, Brie. Letting go even of anticipation, while still waiting — wow.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Sharon McGaughy Mason says
Oh how I needed to read this today! Thank for writing so beautifully and helping me understand something I had not quite comprehended-letting go of the anticipation-wow, just wow!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Dave says
Great encouraging words! Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Amanda says
Thank you! So needed this!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!