I remember as a child I longed to be 13. In my world and in my friends 13 meant many new freedoms and experiences. Those in which I now look back and think are quite silly, but nonetheless it was our focus and what consumed our heart’s longings. The wait was hard, but our eagerness was great, and so with excitement and anticipation we planned what we would do, what we could do when we all turned 13. Our efforts in rushing the process was to no avail as time moved slowly, yet steadily ahead as it always had, and our eagerness only prolonged the days at best.
In looking back, I remember the anticipation more than I do remember the days that followed turning 13. Probably because the wait was more painful with our minds so consumed with playing out scenarios of what it would be like, and not really having the answers. I’m sure the days ahead were fun, but I wonder if it was truly worth all the energy spent in waiting for that day to come. As I reflect on more current situations I am mindful of the energy often used and at time wasted on anticipation or in fear of things awaiting us that we truly have no control over. So often we build ourselves up to a point of anxiety and feed ourselves with information that isn’t factual, but is built from past experiences or predictions and twisted thoughts in trying to figure out what will happen, how it will happen, when it will happen, or how will I respond when it happens.
As time didn’t change with my eagerness as a child, still it will not change in other circumstances of my life. What can change however is my approach and my reaction to the wait. When anticipation or fear begins to arise within and unknown circumstances loom around me, I have but a choice. I can choose to dwell upon, to fret or fear and create anxiety within of a story in my mind that’s not factual nor proven or I can choose to trust upon my creator, the one who created me and knows me best. The one whose promises remain true.
Time. We didn’t create time, nor can we control time or the events which happen within it. There are many things we do have control over, however, when things are beyond our control it is the wait where preparation and growth occur that matters most. It is the wait that grows our Trust in the Lord. When a farmer plants seed in the soil the result of what’s to come is not immediate. He needs to trust the process and wait. Over time and with proper care, the once planted seed grows and blooms to what the farmer trusted it to be. Had the farmer not properly cared for the land during the season of wait the result would not be the same. Even so with proper care, not all seeds will flourish as the farmer hoped for, but his preparation during the wait will yield a much stronger crop than had he not prepared at all.
Our wait is much like the farmers. Our anticipation, worry and fears will not change time nor quicken our wait, however our trust in the Lord and our posture during our times of wait is what will grow us, sustain us and prepare us for the what’s to come. Just like the farmer tends to the soil of the seed, our Father is ready to tend to our hearts.
As it is written in the Passion Translation, Philippians 4:6-8 “Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. “
As we sit at crossroads of what is and what will be with much anticipation upon our hearts may we embrace the wait, through preparation and growth, and know that In His Time all will be as he purposed it to be.
faithforward 