Waiting Patiently

There’s a line from an old song that points to waiting as the most difficult part of life. I’ll be married by December, and it’s totally true: waiting for my wedding day is the hardest part now. I’ve hoped for true love since the age of 12. And after multiple failed relationships, you feel like giving up. And this is not only in our relationships, but in every wish and desire.

When our wishes are not aligned with God’s will, we will be disappointed. I chose to learn this the hard way. And now, counting the days, I remember that about 5 years ago I surrendered my every wish to the Lord. I promised to leave all things to Him, and that I would hear His opinion and word before making a decision. And I have to confess, things did not always go as I would have wished.

When there was an opportunity for me to have something that I desired with all my being, I would bring it up in prayer to the Lord. He knew perfectly well what I wanted and wished, but He closed the door. And it hurt every time. But now, years after all of this happened, I couldn't be happier with what the Lord has done in my life. As Psalm 116:8 says:

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling (ESV).

If I had done things my way, I’m pretty sure I would have suffered a lot of pain and sadness, as it’s only in my Lord’s perfect will that I can find joy and peace.

But I had to believe that the Lord would work all things in His time as He had promised. What I have learned after all these years is that my obedience glorifies the Lord, and He will open up the doors.

The precious woman I’m about to marry, I can assure you, is more than I could have asked or wished for. And there were many doubts at first, and we have come a long way. And in my own strength, I’m sure I would have given up already. But I trusted the Lord, and now I have found my reward. Not by my strength, but by what the Lord has done and my obedience to Him, even when it hurt.

So, if you feel like you are losing the battle, if you feel like giving up, talk to our heavenly Father. He has promised to make all things right. And after all the waiting, we will sing:

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1-2).

Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before your throne of grace, knowing we will find peace and resting, knowing that You have prepared everything for your children; give me the wisdom and patience to wait on Your promises and to obey You, even when I don't feel like doing so. Let us understand Your will give us the strength we need to not give up. May Your peace, Your grace, and Your love guide, heal, and guard each one of my brothers and sisters in faith. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.