Waiting Isn’t Wasted When God Is Working

There’s something strange about knowing where you’re going but not being there yet.

I’m living in one of those seasons right now.

I know a new chapter is coming. I can see it on the calendar. Plans are being made. Boxes will eventually be packed. Goodbyes will be said. A new place, new responsibilities, new relationships, and new opportunities for ministry are waiting just down the road.

But I’m not there yet.

And if I’m not careful, I can become so focused on what’s next that I miss what God is doing right now.

Maybe you’ve been there too.

You’re waiting on the new job.

Waiting on an answer.

Waiting for the door to open.

Waiting for the situation to change.

Waiting for God to show you what’s next.

We tend to think of waiting as the space between the important stuff.

But I’m learning that the waiting is important.

The In-Between Matters

Around camp, we understand seasons.

There’s the excitement before everyone arrives. Then suddenly the property is full of people, meals, laughter, worship, conversations, activities, and organized chaos.

And then everybody leaves.

The cabins get quiet.

The dining hall empties.

The campfire burns down.

For a little while, it can feel like nothing is happening.

But anyone who works at camp knows better.

That quiet season is when things get cleaned, repaired, prepared, planned, evaluated, and made ready for whoever comes next.

The camp may look quiet, but work is happening.

I think God works like that in our lives sometimes.

Just because you can't see much happening doesn't mean God isn't working.

God Has Always Worked in the Waiting

The Bible is filled with people who had to wait.

David was anointed king long before he sat on the throne.

Joseph had a dream long before he understood what it meant.

Abraham received a promise long before Isaac was born.

The Israelites wandered through the wilderness before reaching the Promised Land.

Even Jesus spent about thirty years preparing for roughly three years of public ministry.

God doesn't seem nearly as uncomfortable with waiting as we are.

Maybe that's because God knows something we often forget:

Preparation is part of the promise.

We want the destination.

God is interested in who we're becoming along the way.

Don't Rush Through Today

This is the part God has been reminding me of lately.

I can be excited about tomorrow without wishing away today.

There are still people in front of me who deserve my best.

There is still work God has given me to do.

There are still conversations to have.

There are still meals to share.

There are still sunsets to notice.

There are still opportunities to encourage somebody.

There are still memories to make.

There is still ministry right here.

Sometimes we're so busy asking God, "What's next?" that we forget to ask:

"God, what do You want me to do with today?"

That's a very different prayer.

Maybe You're Waiting Too

Maybe you know something needs to change, but you don't know when.

Maybe you've prayed the same prayer so many times that you're beginning to wonder whether God heard it.

Maybe there's a dream in your heart that seems miles away.

Maybe you're standing between what was and what will be.

Don't waste the waiting.

Keep serving.

Keep loving people.

Keep praying.

Keep showing up.

Keep doing the work God has placed in front of you.

And keep trusting that God can be working even when you can't see the results yet.

Isaiah 40:31 says:

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..."

Notice that Scripture doesn't say those who wait on the Lord are wasting their time.

It says they're being renewed.

Something is happening in the waiting.

One More Thought Around the Campfire

There's a moment around a campfire when the big flames disappear.

If you didn't know better, you might think the fire was dying.

But underneath those flames are glowing coals producing incredible heat.

Sometimes those coals are exactly what you need to start the next fire.

Maybe that's where you are right now.

It doesn't feel exciting.

Nobody is applauding.

Nothing seems to be moving very quickly.

But underneath the surface, God may be preparing something you can't see yet.

So don't rush it.

Don't resent it.

And don't assume nothing is happening.

Waiting isn't wasted when God is working.

And God is always working.

So pull up a chair.

Stay by the fire a little longer.

Trust Him with what's next—and be faithful with what's right in front of you today.

— Travis

Faith. Family. Ministry. Adventure.