Another Minnesota Lesson: Waiting

In my last post I shared two lessons God has taught me in the process of moving from Florida to Minnesota:

·      Go when and where God calls you, even when you don’t know all the details of His plan.

·      Trust that God’s call for us is above and beyond finding earthly comfort.

I’d like to share a couple more lessons I’ve been learning about “waiting”.

It’s both exciting and challenging when God calls us into a new, unknown chapter of life. We are all learners in our journeys on this planet, so I’m aware that there are more lessons still to come in my life with God, all the way to the day when I meet Him face to face. There’s one thing I’ve really appreciated while resettling here in Minnesota: God has gently led me to spend more time with Him each day, typically in the early morning hours. Through the past weeks of this discipline I’ve discovered that God is—slowly but surely—continuing to refine my heart and worldview. This is exactly what Paul wrote about in His powerful letter to the church at Rome:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2)

I have also learned that this is a cooperative process: It is God who does the transforming work, yet I must choose to let it take place inside me.  Just when I think God is done with an area of my life, He shows me something more that must be changed. It’s like unpeeling an onion—with each new layer comes both sweetness and sometimes even tears. But the process is worth it, as we become more alive and freer in Christ. In the past week I was listening to a podcast that God used to reveal some past hurts still present within me, even as He asked me to forgive the people involved. Pausing the podcast, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me as I spoke each person’s name out loud and said, “I forgive you”. It was initially painful, but ultimately freeing and peaceful to release others (and myself) through the forgiveness process. This was a work of God— I only needed to yield and cooperate with Him in the process. This is part of what I call “waiting on God”.

Waiting on God is a deep and multi-faceted experience

I’ve heard messages and read articles on the topic of waiting on God. While each conveys a perspective that merits listening and understanding, I do not always internalize and apply these messages. This is because God reaches each of us in a uniquely meaningful ways. My take on waiting comes from the experience of reading and digesting God’s Word and then allowing it—sometimes too slowly— to be activated in my life.

Waiting on God comes with the realization He is for us and loves us through this life and into eternity. This is the point of intersection where waiting means hope: specifically hope in God and His perfect goodness. The famous passage from the prophet Isaiah identifies this:

“… those who wait on [hope in] the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

When we reach the golden moment when we understand and embrace that we are loved by God through Jesus Christ, then we will stop pointless bargaining with God and simply rest in His goodness. God will never fail, leave or forget us.

Waiting on God means seeking Him above all else

Most people gravitate to waiting on God in terms of seeking an answer to specific questions, problems, or decisions. To be clear, God welcomes us coming to Him with our cares and concerns. I regularly ask God to lead, fill, and protect my family, bring His touch on people I know who are in need of healing, and for His anointing on my life and work. I continue to learn, however, that waiting on God for answers is fine —as long as the answer doesn’t matter more than seeking God first and foremost. The idol worshippers of the past were people who had real-life problems but sought out false gods in order to get an answer to suit themselves. That kind of “waiting” isn’t true waiting, but is more of a manipulative game—one that God doesn’t play.  

Waiting on God means seeking Him above everything, regardless of circumstances. As I authentically wait on God for clarity, direction, and answers, God is also transforming me, albeit ever so slowly, to be okay with the timing and lack of understanding through the waiting process.

Waiting on God means sitting with Him

Often our dog, Izzy, comes and sits at my feet during my early morning time with God. Most times Izzy doesn’t have an agenda, she only wants to be near me. Similarly, I’m learning there is soul comfort and fulfillment in carving out time to come into God’s presence. Even—no, especially—when I’m not feeling it, I find God reveals even more of Himself when I choose to draw near to Him.  Waiting on God means sitting at the feet of the Master, Jesus Christ, just like Mary, the sister of Lazarus, did long ago (see Luke 10:39).

Waiting on God means serving when and where He leads

My wife and I were recently at a restaurant where we experienced a server whose care and attentiveness to us was extraordinary. It spoke volumes about her heart not just to put in the time but to pour herself into serving the people she encountered. At the end of our meal we gave her a generous tip, and also told the manger about this server who made our meal experience such a treasure. Waiting on God should look like this! We are God’s wait-staff, called to pour ourselves into the people and work He has given us. I find much joy when God calls me to do little, unexpected things for people through the day. When we wait on God by serving others— rather than only fixating on our own problems—we open the door for God to change us from the inside out.

Waiting on God is a process of discovery of His goodness, faithfulness, power, and presence, that brings transformation to our lives and circumstances.

 God bless you!
Chris Atkins