Tijana Suric. Image: Supplied
Waiting is not my strongest suit. If you ever make me watch an intense movie that goes on for too long, I will most likely Google the ending because I hate waiting to figure out what happens at the end. Maybe it’s impatience, but I hate waiting.
Whether you’re waiting for a new job interview, relationship, or marriage, waiting can be challenging and scary. The unknown of what possibly happens, is hard to surrender. The unfamiliarity and uncertainty that comes with waiting causes anxiety, stress, anger, and frustration.
Sometimes we struggle to see the point of all we must endure in this current season of waiting. But “today is just as important to God, as any day you dream of as being perfect,” there is a purpose to your waiting. In Psalm 118:24, we learn, “this is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Shouldn’t we be happy in the now? Shouldn’t we rejoice that God made this day of waiting for a purpose? I know it’s hard, trust me. I think it’s hard because we don’t fully understand the power of God, we don’t see the bigger picture to what we must endure to get where we want to be.
As I have said, I know what it’s like to wait. I’m currently in my single season, waiting for God to give me my spouse. I have days of confidence, but I also have days of frustration and feel upset. I don’t know what your season is, or what you are waiting for, but I want you to know, waiting is important, and we need to appreciate this season of waiting. We mustn’t forget that the devil is trying to tempt us with what we could get ourselves, what others have, and worldly things to get out of the position God has put us in, to reach our purpose.
Why is waiting so important? In the Bible, waiting is often seen as an essential part of God’s plan, shaping believers spiritually, mentally, and emotionally as they prepare for what He has for them. The waiting season is important because it teaches patience, builds trust in God, and allows for personal growth. Here are a few key reasons why waiting is emphasised as good and necessary in achieving our purpose in life.
The first reason is developing patience and trust. In James 5:7-8, “believers are encouraged to be patient, like the farmer waiting for the harvest”. Waiting allows us to trust in God’s timing, rather than rushing ahead with our own plans. This patience aligns our hearts with God’s will and cultivates perseverance in our faith. Scripture says, “Be patient, therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient”. Just like growing a plant, you can’t rush it, you must be patient.
My second reason is learning to rely on God’s Provisions. In times of waiting, we are reminded that we are not in control of everything. Psalm 27:14 says, “wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord.” This encourages waiting on the Lord, with the assurance that He will strengthen our hearts. This dependency on God’s timing, knowing He will provide what we need when it’s the right time.
The next most critical point of waiting is that it refines our character. In Romans 5:3-4, it shows that “suffering and waiting produces endurance, character, and hope”. Through this waiting, God refines us, teaching us humility. I have suffered breakups, depression, anxiety, divorced parents, abuse and more. But if I hadn’t endured these things, I wouldn’t have come to rely on God, have better morals, and values in my life.
We come to my final point, which is that God’s timing is perfect. By reading the Bible, we see that God works through the seasons of waiting to ensure that things unfold according to His perfect will. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “that everything has its time and season”. Trusting God’s timing ensures that we step into our purpose at the right moment, not too early, nor too late.
Of course, there are many more reasons, but being proactive, even though we know waiting is good, can be challenging. So, I have created some tips to help you get through the waiting season
- Practice something new: A healthy habit or something you haven’t experienced before. God want us to use our skills and talents to our fullest potential. It could be getting up early, reading your Bible every night or playing a new sport. This will keep you busy.
- Join a community: I think this is useful for anyone. It gives you a sense of purpose and impact. Whether it’s your youth group, church choir, sporting team or charity. For example, in your waiting season of marriage, taking time to assist in youth ministry, help others in need, or support a cause that could help you develop skills that can help you be a good spouse, allows you to use your single season of free time wisely and allow you to gain opportunities you will never be able to achieve elsewhere.
- Take one day at a time: Pray about what God could be calling you to do today. This could be influencing family or friends with your faith. God can make a big difference through a small calling. I know in my life, I have left a big impact on situations I thought were so small. For example, just talking about the love of Christ to my friends in everyday life has now planted seeds of faith in their lives.
- Stress less: I know it’s easier said than done, but everything will work out – it always does. How many times do you stress so much about something, but then it all falls into place eventually? As it says in the Bible, “all things work together according to God’s purpose, for those who believe in Him”.
- Treat each day like you’re training for the race of your life: Run with a goal, purpose, and focus. Put it into practice in the waiting season. How are we spending every day? Are we reading, studying, or meditating on passages from the Bible, going to Mass, spending time with people who nourish our souls, or are we doing worldly things, which push us away from God’s purpose in our life? An athlete is not a champion overnight. If your desire is to be a wife or husband, put into practice things that will help you be a good spouse.
By focusing on trust, patience, and using the time for spiritual and personal development, you’ll come out of the waiting season more aligned with God’s purpose for you. Keep seeking Him, stay hopeful, and remember that the best things are often worth waiting for.
Tijana Surec is a member of the IGNITE youth leadership team from St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens.
