Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. -Proverbs‬ ‭13:12‬ (‭NASB)‬‬

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. -Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭(NASB‬‬)

The waiting period. The suspense. The despair.

When you wait for that breakthrough, that turnaround, that miracle…it almost seems pointless sometimes. It would seem more sensible to throw in the towel and quit waiting.

The Israelites constantly complained when wandering in the wilderness for 40 years—their punishment for not waiting and not trusting and not believing in God’s promises to them. They chose doubt and fear, two of Satan’s greatest tools he uses with whispering in our ears, over faith in the God who made them.

And yet, in those 40 years, God provided for them. Their clothes and shoes never wore out. Their feet and bodies were not hurt or sore! He fed them with manna and quail and other forms of sustenance. They never went lacking.

We can wait upon the Lord. We can believe that the requests we bring to Him will come to pass, according to His will and timing. We know that He is always with us, and will always provide what we need as we wait upon Him and do our best to glorify Him in how we wait.

So, this waiting period is one of opportunity to show Him we believe. It’s not one of suspense, but expectant faith. It’s not one of despair at all, but thankfulness that He is using this time to strengthen and purify us.

Prayer

Father God, waiting is indeed difficult, but so much easier and joyous when we wait upon You in obedience and servitude, rather than focusing on what we don’t have today. Please forgive us when our praise falls short. Boost our faith so we may make You known while we wait. In Your Son Jesus’ holy and powerful name we pray. Amen.