Wednesday Word - Waiting

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Waiting.

It seems like this is another "W" word in my life that I don't like. 

Something that's been on my mind the past week or so is a new lie I've been hearing from Satan.  A very close friend of mine teaches beautifully on this concept of Satan's lies.  Highlighting Ephesians 6, she points out that as Christ-followers, we are subjected to "the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Eph. 6:16).  In order to defend from those lies, we must "take up the shield of faith" (Eph. 6:16).  To take up this shield, we must first identify the lie.  Then, replace that lie with God's Truth.

There has been this lie rolling around in my head for the past month, but it wasn't until a few days ago that I actually was able to put that lie into 'sentence' form.  The lie is this:  "You're already 30.  You've missed your chance to have a family.  It's too late".  That lie, along with the other big lie I hear ("You've already had one husband.  What makes you think you deserve another one?"), have the power to tear me down...IF I LET THEM.

So I started working on the "replace the lie with God's Truth" part of this process and came across this simple line from one of my favorite books of the Bible, Hosea.

"wait for your God always"

It's short enough for me to memorize quickly.  It's simple enough to whisper in a moment of quiet desperation when I simply feel attacked.  It's beautiful Truth.  God isn't holding out on me. He didn't somehow miss the fact that I am lonely.  He didn't accidentally give me the desire to have a family.   He hasn't forgotten that I'm here.  

He. Loves. Me.

Even though I don't like it...and it's not always easy...I will wait for Him.

And, while I am waiting, I know He is listening.  Just last week, as I was starting to work this all out, my friend Elaine e-mailed me out of the blue with a quote that she read that made her think of me.  I just love when God does things like that.

"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life.  Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan.  Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply about what I'll receive at the end of my wait.  No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait.  God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He's promised. Through the wait He's changing me.  By means of the wait He's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires.  Through the wait He's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom.  And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands."  Paul Tripp



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