Waiting is a theme in every human being’s life. Nothing that we aspire to or achieve comes without some sort of waiting period. Most people struggle with waiting, yet, a wait is actually a blessing as it prepares one for greater things ahead, and often greater and newer challenges. God gives us the gift of a waiting period so that we might grow closer to Him and closer to the best version of ourselves. Waiting is never in vain, but produces a blessing.

The theme of sowing and reaping is rampant in the Bible and Jesus talks in many instances of a tree bearing fruit. That doesn’t happen overnight. The process starts underground, unseen, with a tiny seed. Little by little, the tree comes into view. It doesn’t seem much at first, but the water and sunlight continue to do their work. Finally the tree reaches its full height one day, and it is a glorious sight. The tree stands tall and has beautiful branches that bear fruit. It is able to withstand storms much better than when it was a seedling. It is the same with us. When we are “seedlings” still in process, we are weak and find the storms of our lives very difficult. However, over time and as we grow in our relationship with God, we grow stronger. We begin to bear fruit and produce great things. What are you waiting for?

One common wait is for finding a husband or wife. If you’re a single person hoping and praying for your spouse, trust that your marriage will be blessed due to your wait. God is working on both you and your future spouse at this very moment. He is shaping both of you to be even better spouses for one another, and better parents, too, if you will have children. It’s up to you to use the time well and not for bitterness or complaining. Waiting is purposeful. Our Heavenly Father makes us wait for our good and growth.

An artist doesn’t finish a masterpiece in a day. He or she continues to put touches here and there, and small details, until he steps back from the canvas and marvels at the work he has created. It is the same way that our Heavenly Father works in our lives. Every day He is putting touches on the canvas of our lives. The picture may not make sense now. It is incomplete and there are many spaces that are not filled in. Yet the Master Artist envisions exactly what the end product will look like. It will be amazing beyond your imagining. Time will pass and the picture will become more and more complete. When you step back to look at your life, it will be evident how your Father was working and cared about even the smallest details of your life.

God is working behind the scenes right now, though we do not know how; we can only see what’s straight in front of us. We must, however, learn to trust God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives. Our trust in the plan of our Heavenly Father for our lives doesn’t depend on what we know, but on faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”- 2 Corinthians 5:7. It’s up to us to live the present day He has given us well. Thus we prepare for the next day, and someday, our wait will come to an end. As you wait, live each moment to the fullest. Don’t waste time simply waiting around. Time is to be used for our good, not for hoping for a future that may be different than we envision. The better we live the now, the more we will be able to receive the great future God has planned for us.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”- Lamentations 3:25

“Don’t waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson