“Even in the waiting, she has this deeply rooted faith that when things don’t make sense, the Lord makes a way.” — Morgan Harper Nichols

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Having the ability to embrace a season of uncertainty is much like snatching a rose while risking the pinch of its thorn.

The outcome is unknown but the beauty obtained is worth the journey.

Where I stand today looks a lot different from where I thought I would be but I’m learning to be okay with that. So can you.

Although we might be living two different lives filled with different people, experiences, and circumstances — most of us are, in fact, waiting on something. That phone call, that next relationship, a move to a new city, or that big opportunity. Honestly, the list goes on and on.

But what happens when our wait is extended beyond our expectation and starts to feel like a burden?

You know..

So now it becomes, that thing..

That thing you’re running from but it continues to find you. That thing that makes you feel like you’re drowning and breathing at the same time and soon enough you don’t even know the difference. That thing you’re embarrassed by when it comes up as a topic of a conversation. That thing that leads you to ask “how did I get here?”

As a recent graduate, my post-graduate life has taken me through one amazing internship, one toxic workplace and has landed me back at a retail job, far from a full-time offer and the independence I so desperately crave. This is my thing. My square one.

“Back at square one” typically has a negative connotation attached to it but I hope by the end of this post, you can see your square one in a different light. A new beginning. A fresh start.

I don’t know what your “square one” looks like or what breakthrough you are waiting for, but I can assure you that God doesn’t bring us to anything that He doesn’t intend to bring us through.

During this season, I’ve learned that what you do during your wait is just as important as getting to the other side of it. It may be slower, it may not produce much fruit but you never see the seed developing until it begins to sprout into what it was created for.

[bctt tweet=”What you do during your wait is just as important as getting to the other side of it. It may be slower, it may not produce much fruit but you never see the seed developing until it begins to sprout into what it was created for.” username=”heyhanha”]

God loves you enough to detach you from what you want, to give you want you need, and often times, we won’t know it until it’s passed us. However, rather than wishing this season away, begin to ask God what is it that He wants to work inside of you while you wait.

One devotional puts it this way:

“I’m curious if perhaps Jesus wants to first sit with you at a cozy
corner booth like this one,
and over time will provide the
right people (experiences, opportunities, and circumstances)
in the right seats. Maybe your dinner party isn’t a long
banquet table for many but an intimate corner booth for the two of you first.”

Isn’t that a beautiful thing? To know that God loves us enough to strip away all of our distractions disguised as desires. To know that He is preparing us, rather than punishing us. To see that we are being developed and not discarded.

Just because you can’t see Him working, doesn’t mean that He’s not. If you are able to cling to His word, cultivate community, and intake positive content, your waiting won’t be done in vain.

Christ

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9

Clinging to God’s word is one of the most important things you can do during any season. But as you wait on God’s promises to come to pass, finding verses, chapters, and teachings that can speak to your situation helps to sustain you in moments of discouragement. Galatians 6:9 has been my anchor throughout my waiting and is always a piece of truth I can turn to when the waiting gets to be too much.

I think you should find your verse, too. It doesn’t matter if you read your Bible every day or if you need to knock the dust off of it, God is always there with open arms ready to give you exactly what you need for the season you’re experiencing.

Community

A friend is a God’s way of proving He doesn’t want us to walk alone.

One of the greatest blessings I’ve received while in my waiting has been the creation and cultivation of relationships and community. If you can surround yourself with encouraging, uplifting and life-giving individuals who can pour into you at your lowest, do it.

I am so incredibly thankful for the strong women that God has placed in my life over the last six months and I couldn’t imagine withstanding this season without them. I believe the devil thrives most when he sees us falling into the trap of isolation and insecurity, but when you have a community that empowers you to be your best on the days you feel at your worst, he can’t win.

Content

Pain is the sensation that indicates a transformation is needed. There is a weakness where now strength needs to enter in. And you have chosen to pursue long-term strength rather than temporary relief. So don’t berate yourself for being in pain. It just means you are walking toward victory by not numbing yourself right now. — Lysa TerKeurst, Uninvited

How powerful of a perspective is that? This quote comes from a book entitled ‘Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely’ — spot on, right?

Books, songs, podcasts and posts. These things can do more for you when you see that your intake directly affect your outpour. What you listen to, read, and view can either deter you or it can help you make healthy developments but the choice is yours.

Pick up the book, put down the phone.
Turn on the podcast, turn off the radio.
Unfollow them, log off from there.

I’ve learned that changing what you take in truly does have an impact on the way you feel, see and think about things. Make sure your feeds, playlists and shelves are filled with content that is going to create positive change in your life and not drain you before your day gets started.

If you are looking to be encouraged in this season, I would highly suggest you take on this book, subscribe to this podcast, listen to this album (this one too),  or this song and start this sermon series and watch how your lense on life begins to shift.

Waiting seasons look different for everyone and no two paths are the same, but it’s important to remember that the way we handle this season can impact how we walk into the next one. I hope you are encouraged as you read this and find comfort in knowing that though you might feel alone, God is with you every step of the way. He will provide that thing you’re praying for, dreaming of and wishing on but always in His timing. But while you wait, do the work and don’t grow weary.

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About Sydney: Sydney is a graduate of NC State University with a passion for creating community through digital content. She loves to travel, is a self-proclaimed food enthusiast and a lover of podcasts and music. On most occasions, you can find her serving at church, on the hunt for the next best coffee shop and eatery or spending time with those who mean the most.

Follow Sydney on Instagram here!