No one likes to wait. It doesn’t matter if we are sitting in our car, standing in a line or outlasting a recording on the telephone. No one likes to wait. At our core, I think we all are convinced that our time, our lives, our positions, and our decisions are far more important than the next guy.

We put our needs at the top of the pile and grimace every time they seem to be ignored.

Even the Godliest among us often fail to see any good that can come from waiting. We struggle. We whine. We grouse. We complain. We fail to see that ANYTHING good can come out of waiting.

But truth be told, waiting well implies that there are valuable insights to gain through waiting. And there are. Waiting well builds anticipation and helps us to develop self-control. Waiting well gives opportunity for our character to be developed.

So instead of being stymied in our impatience, this week, let’s learn to see the value in an  “active waiting period.” Instead of just sitting in our self-made pile of discontent,  let’s learn to take advantage of a season of waiting. There really are things to “do” as we “wait on the Lord.”

First off, we need to do those things that we already know how to do. For example, we don’t need a massive word from the Lord to know that we should be displaying the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy and peace aren’t special qualities for special days. They need to be on display everyday of our lives…even as we wait.

Secondly, let’s recognize that an “active waiting period” will help sharpen our focus. It will help us stop living in the past and avoid fussing about the future. Maybe we will learn how to hone in on the events of today. Prayerfully we will receive the encouragement from Jesus in Matt. 6:34 and recognize that “each day has enough trouble of its own.”

And lastly, embracing an “active waiting period” can help us build intimacy with our Savior. As we wait, we will hopefully sense the sweetness that comes from being in His presence. We will be praying to Him, depending on Him, waiting on His grace and provision…but we will be doing all of that WITH HIM.

An “active waiting period” recognizes that “what God does in us while we wait is as important as what it is, we are waiting for.” Waiting well can be a very powerful experience. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that all is on schedule (His). And things are indeed being worked out (to His specification).

“Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Ps. 27:14