To the Woman in Waiting

I see you there, wondering what the purpose for this season is and desperately wanting a direction, any direction to move in. And I know that seasons of waiting can often feel disheartening, confusing and question filled…

We could probably never make a complete list of all the things we find ourselves waiting on during our lifetimes, wondering when (or if!) God will bring them along… a spouse, children, dream job, supportive friends, more time, better health, more money – the list could go on forever.

In the midst of a season of waiting, the temptation can be strong to focus solely on the waiting. But in focusing on the waiting, we just might miss the whole point of the season. The truth of the matter is, we could spend our entire lives simply waiting on the next thing. A season of waiting doesn’t, and shouldn’t = a season of stagnation. Instead of being inactive because of something you are waiting on, be proactive in the areas you can be. I believe that God always gives us a place to invest our time and energy into. And sometimes that may even be the very reason we are waiting on one thing – Because there is a different area He wants us to be focusing on.

During seasons of waiting it can also be easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to all the women around us who aren’t waiting on the particular thing we so long for, and who perhaps already have it. I know I struggle with this a lot. But comparison is a dangerous game, one that blinds us to objective reality when we engage in it. Just because other women (or men!) around you aren’t in the same season of waiting as you are, doesn’t mean they may not be in a season of waiting. You. Are. Not. Alone.

I too am in a season of waiting. I’m engaged to an amazing man, but we don’t know exactly when God is going to open the doors for us to get married. Every day almost, I have to resist the temptation of comparison because of my (our) own season of waiting. But then I remember there are other women around me who are still waiting on knowing who they will marry and who would very much like to be in the place I am at. It puts things acutely into perspective and acts as a slap across the face during my pity party moments.

It is during these seasons of waiting, in which I believe it is especially crucial we are looking to God for guidance and direction because we can be vulnerable to impatiently making a decision in haste which may not be the wisest…. These verses will do a far better job at encouraging in this area then I could:

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”   – Psalm 27:14

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known before God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ” – Philippians 4:6-7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways knowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”  – Proverbs 3:5-6

“And now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” – Psalms 39:7

No matter what you may be waiting on, not only does God see and know, but there are many, many, women all around you also in various seasons of waiting. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and talk about it. You are not alone, dear sister. 

With love,