WAITING

This is a photo from our reunion after the last deployment- no doubt, one of THE ABSOLUTE BEST days of my life. We're exactly one month into the current deployment. Time is passing somewhat slowly, but praise God that it's passing. This excerpt from a recent devotion on She Reads Truth couldn't describe my feelings any better right now... Jesus knows exactly what I need to hear, and when I need to hear it.

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I’m waiting.

It’s easy to say, “It’s in the Lord’s hands!” and “Or he’ll come home in His perfect timing.” Speaking these truths confidently makes the waiting a little easier, but waiting patiently and being an obedient servant? That’s a bit more difficult.

Because when we are forced to wait is when our flesh likes to take over.

 
As pressure builds, we turn on those we care about most, grumbling against one another. We look at others and judge out of our own aching, empty parts. We forget that our own Judge is standing at the door, with His hand on the handle.

We get exasperated in our impatience, swearing, negotiating with the Lord, carelessly throwing around thoughtless phrases like “Oh dear Lord, if I have to wait another day!” or “For heaven’s sakes, this shouldn’t be so hard.” We’re wrong in this. The waiting isn’t just the hardest part, it’s the growing part. And the Gardener can’t be rushed in this season. He won’t be rushed in this season.

We should think of the waiting as our labor pains. The contractions are getting stronger, closer together, more and more painful, the longer the process continues.

While we are waiting, we are changing–He’s changing us in the waiting. He’s rounding out our sharp, controlling edges, gifting us an appreciation for the small milestones, teaching us to better disciple those already in our lives. He’s tenderly waiting for His land to yield its valuable crop.

And in the end, as He always is, He will be compassionate and merciful. Then, together, we will celebrate the harvest.

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. {James 5:7-11}

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Praise God for His constant provision in my life. Even when His provision is not the husband that I miss, but the promise that He has a plan. 

And his plan is always worth the wait.