Have you ever waited on God, but the wait began to feel like a weight, one that is holding you back from success and happiness?

I've been there, and more often than I like, I go back on emotional visits.

I don't know what it is you’re waiting for, but I’m sure I can relate. I’ve waited to be accepted to my dream college, on job offers, to meet friends in a new city, to get married, to get a promotion and later, a new job, the list goes on.  There are times in the middle of it all when I’ve been discouraged and frankly, over it.  

Not too long ago I was sitting on my bed, crying out to God for strength, telling him I couldn't endure waiting any longer. I was the end of myself - ready to take things into my own hands. Then God, in His infinite wisdom and love, said to me, "If you make a mistake I won't love you any less."

Honestly, that’s not what I thought He'd say. I was expecting a verse that would convict me, but instead he comforted me. I was feeling ashamed and He showed me grace.

If we are faithless, he remains faithful. For he cannot deny himself. -- 2 Timothy 2:13

In that moment I realized that God really does hear my (and your) cries, and He understands our struggle.  Now this isn't to say that He approves of disobedience, but he's not holding our mistakes and sins over us. He longs for us to know the depth of his love and grace so we can be assured that He is in control and has our best interest at heart.

Truly following God is hard because it's a war to keep the faith. It's a struggle to be patient and when you feel "ready".  It's frustrating to be faithful when you’re continuously being overlooked or ignored.  It can be confusing to feel like you should be progressing in your career or life, but keep hearing God tell you, "Be Still".

The good news is, those feelings don’t change the Truth. God is good and faithful to fulfill every promise. He is not man that He should lie. He is the Alpha and the Omega, and sees the end from the beginning. His timing is perfect because He is the author of all things.

So take heart and hold on. If you're weak, ask God to be your strength. Don't let doubt make you settle for less than He's promised you, and don't let the fear of missing out make you rush into something you're not ready for. 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1

The wait is about BECOMING. It's about growing in your faith, deepening your trust in God, and developing the fruit of the spirit. It's not punishment, it is preparation. It can be painful, but it can also be purposeful.  So don't despise it. Ask God to help you wait with purpose and contentment, and to reveal His will for you in this season of your life.  Then you'll be able to enjoy the wait instead of enduring it, and thrive until your time comes.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. - Hebrews 6:19

All my love,

Tiffanie