This is Part 3 in a series on Spiritual Growth. Please welcome Leigh Ellen Eades as she shares her experiences about waiting on God. 

After two hours in the grocery store we were both spent. I neared the front of the store with my anxious toddler in tow and one thing on my mind. Getting home. I scanned the checkout lanes for the smallest line. Spotting a lane with only one person I got in line and placed my items on the conveyor belt.

After a few moments, it became apparent that a problem had occurred with the order in front of us. I smiled and looked on; hopeful that my less than interested toddler would hang on just a little longer. I knew he was tired, but soon the whole lane knew when he loudly professed, “I’m ready to go!”

I did my best to assure him we’d be on our way soon, but my efforts fell short against his strong, three-year old determination. He was ready to go!

As our wait grew longer, my son’s patience grew shorter. Eventually, he grabbed his newly acquired toothbrush and toothpaste off the conveyor belt and proclaimed he was going home. I reminded him his items had to be paid for to which he placed them back on the belt and we both continued to wait.

In time, we checked out, made our way home, but not without God teaching me a lesson.

I’m not a fan of waiting. If I’m honest, waiting can make me act a little like my toddler. I present my request to God, and then I follow it up with continual pleading for him to act now. But you know what? In all my pleading, I’ve yet to see my timetable supersede God’s. 

The fact is God’s timetable is based on His wisdom, and my timetable is based on my wants. I only see my side of a situation, but God sees the whole picture. When I feel like He isn’t acting fast enough and my pleading begins, I have to remind myself that He knows my heart, but He also knows the heart of others, too. And God will always work in ways that are best for all His children. 

Lamentations 3:24 says, “I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”

“The Lord is my portion,” means Jesus is my inheritance. When we become believers in Jesus, we also become heirs of God. An heir inherits what belongs to another. In God’s case, we inherit the fullness of His Kingdom. It can be helpful for me to remember this when I’m waiting. Regardless of how God answers my request, the reality is He’s already given me His kingdom.

The verse continues, “I will wait for him.”

In the NLT, Lamentations 3:24 says, “I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him.”

I like this version, because the word hope reminds me that when I’m in a position of waiting I can change my perspective by saying “I’m hoping in God,” rather than “I’m waiting on God.” By making this small change in what I say my perspective shifts from the object of my wait to the person of my wait – God Himself.

If you are in a season of waiting, be assured that God sees you and He knows your heart. You are not alone. This week, I pray you’ll be able to change your perspective from waiting on God to hoping in God.

Leigh Ellen

Leigh Ellen Eades is a writer, but more so a friend. Her mission is to encourage women who are weary and wounded with the promises of God. She desires to help women develop a deeper relationship with God so they can live confident, victorious lives. She’s passionate about her family, treasures coffee with friends and relishes quiet moments reading a book. You can connect with Leigh Ellen on Facebook, Twitter or her website. Website: www.raisinganarrow.org

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