7 Must For Waiting Well In a Season You Dread
Friends, part of me cannot believe that I am writing this post because honestly? There were points where I never thought the past 2 years & counting of waiting would end. 2 years ago I entered into a season that at first made me feel miserable- I lived in this incredible beach town, surrounded by great people and even had a job in Ministry which was a dream of mine, but there were certain circumstances that made me so discontent that I wouldn’t let myself truly enjoy those things God had blessed me with. I felt this transition and tension in my heart of where I was and where I wanted (& truly felt I SHOULD be) and yet here I was, in this place that seemed like a dead end without any purpose. Ever been there?! Well, sister you are NOT alone. I have been there with you.
But as I sit here in my home Office, surrounded by boxes and moving supplies, I look back on this season that seemed so incredibly long and realize that “just like that” it’s over. We’re moving. Our next season is finally here. I’ve always had a dream to move from FL, I grew up here and have always wanted to explore what else was out there (aka I l o v e the mountains!), but 2 years ago that tension really grew. I knew this place was just a season & so I started treating it like one & trying to force it to move quickly. Which in reality meant, trying to force and rush God.
But friends, I sit here completely overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God that I have grown to know intimately over the past 2 years. From friend to friend, I have to tell you- the things God has taught me and grown in me over these past 2 years of waiting make me sit back in wonder of just how GOOD, wise and caring the Lord is. The woman I have become in this season is the answer to so many prayers I had deep down. Because friends, the woman we dream of becoming- the relationship we deeply desire to have with God isn't found on the other side of this season or in that career or relationship- it’s found right here where you are. Here in your waiting.
& I never want to be so focused on what I decided was best for MY life that I miss doing what God has actually called me to do.
Maybe you’re in a season you cry about, dread getting up in the morning for or try to hide away from- I’ve felt that. But friend, we can’t stay there. Because if you have sought Him and know that He is calling you to this season, then what He wants to do IN you in this season is something too incredible to miss. So let me stand with you in your corner.
Here are 7 life-changing things God has taught me to waiting well in a season you dread:
When you simply buy into the process God has you in, you will learn how to find your way to Him no matter where you are.
HOW? Embrace and accept your reality. Where are you, what job do you have etc.? Choose to be present and give your best right where you are instead of constantly wishing you were somewhere else. Every morning, if you have to, look in the mirror and say out loud your reality AND God’s truth in the same sentence. “I live here and ____ is what I do in this season. God is right here with me and I can live fully and encounter Him deeply even here. Because this season isn’t in vain, so I will give my all to God today. And let Him take care of the rest.” Resolve that you are buying in and realize God is offering Himself just as powerfully to you HERE as He would in any other season.
Waiting isn’t meant to be passive where we sit around, wait for God as we complain & sit in our sadness. NO, God has FREEDOM for you right here, right now!
Do you believe that God is wise and powerful enough to know exactly what you need and that this season isn’t taking Him by surprising or messing up His will for your life? Then live like it! God has you here for a REASON girlfriend & there is HUGE PURPOSE He wants you to walk in. And I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of standing in my own way. I have decided, I have resolved to wait upon the Lord. Because there is purpose here that I won’t let myself miss. The truth is, I never THOUGHT I needed this season. I NEVER thought I’d be in Children’s Ministry, I never thought I’d live in FL this long… but God knew I needed this. And He knows you need it too.
Waiting is meant to be an active pursuit of God right where you are and stewarding well what he has placed in your hand and in front of you AS you trust He is working it all together. So get up and give your best. Do the best with the use of time you’ve been given. Love the people in your community. Serve. Worship Him here and start speaking in trust instead of complaining.
Learn to LOVE your town and find lovely where you live.
I’m not kidding when I say this has been the HUGE game changer for me. God is so kind to surround us with things that will bring us joy and allow us to live fully even in seasons we dread at first. God has joy for you in your city, go find it. Notice the sites, places, activities or hidden gems that bring you joy and do them often. As we find lovely in seasons that seem gray, we realize we are actually finding God- right here.
Intimate moments with Him, encountering His presence and praising Him will give you the energy you need to keep going a bit longer in this season.
Don’t discard this simple notion. His presence is powerful and it’s freely, wildly available for you. So sister- get away and blast those powerful worship songs that get you every time. Lay it all out at His feet, breathe deep (lots!) and ask Him to fill you with His peace. And get in the Word. It’s the most important thing you can do right now. Because the enemy wants you to believe that you can take control and have it your way when He knows God’s way is the way to freedom and a true abundant life. Fill your mind with Truth so that it can be renewed. Seriously.
Sometimes the waiting isn’t all about you.
You are part of a much bigger, beautiful , GOOD picture that God is working together for those who love Him. Let God USE you where you are. Chase after Him and create a life you love as you pursue Him deeply.
Don’t get stuck in narrative you’re writing in your mind.
When I sit in my mind, I tend to write a pretty crappy draft about what’s going on in my life. Sit down with life-giving people who are FOR you and you can trust and let them in. Let people hold your arms up, don’t believe the lie that you can’t let me in. ASK them to pray with you in that moment, text them a secret emoji every time you feel “UGH” & let God meet you through your people!
Fasting & Praying brought me SO much clarity, peace and wisdom. LIKE SERIOUSLY.
Fasting is a way to deeply encounter God, seek Him for big decisions and gain clarity when you’ve been exhausted, fuzzy and overwhelmed. What I gained from this time & the moments of encountering His powerful presence allowed us to understand what our next step needed to be. It was the thing that worked when nothing else did & when I was depsparate. Check out our Quiet The World 3 Day Challenge for a fasting/praying Guide & try it!
BONUS:
Keep a journal of each moment (small & large) of God’s faithfulness during this season. Read over it occasionally to remind yourself that God is moving even when you feel stagnant.
This is it friend, you’re living in YOUR opportunity to experience the fullness of God. Take Him up on it. Surrender, buy in and claim this season as one you’re living fully in because in HIM you can live in joy and freedom.
I can’t wait to see who you become in this Season (& how the future you in seasons to come will thank you for buying in to this one).
rooting you on,
Lanissa