FLOW - Feel Love Over Waiting

We pray then we sit still and wait . . . and wait . . . and wait - with hope or expectation.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” - Isaiah 40:31

One of my favorite go-to books when I am waiting on God is a small easy to read book titled “You’re Late Again Lord.” By Karon Phillips Goodman. The book opens the door to understanding what waiting on God really means. It doesn’t mean sitting and doing nothing. It means to actively wait on God and trusting that he is working and orchestrating the things in your life for your good.

When God had me relocate from New York to Georgia, I was uncertain about what he wanted me to do. In my flesh I don’t believe I would have moved. In my own flesh I don’t believe I would have left my job. God was clear - just as clear as the words on this page - that I was to change everything about my life’s work. He wasn’t so clear on exactly what I was to do along the way, or what I was to do when I got there.

It is in the waiting that you learn things, meet new people, and benefit from different experiences. It’s in the waiting that you grow in strength, perseverance and wisdom. It’s in the waiting that your heart begins to shift in the direction that God intends. When my family and I arrived in Georgia, I had no choice but to get busy - not in an overcommitted way - but in a way that would contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. I did some research and found a local nonprofit that was looking for volunteers. I introduced myself, began to serve and one thing led to another . . . for real. That experience led me to start a nonprofit of my own and become a servant leader in my community. God’s plan for me was not one that I saw for myself, and I can tell you with the utmost of confidence that his plan is always better.

The love you can draw from to Feel Love Over Waiting is found in the following scriptures:

Psalm 130:5 - “I wait for the Lord, with my whole being I wait, and in his word do I hope.” I don’t want to wait on the the Lord with just my mind, my thoughts. I want to wait on the Lord with my whole being and for me that means in service to the Lord and those whose lives he wants me to make a positive impact in.

Psalm 27:14 - “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let you heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Knowing that while I am waiting on the Lord he is building me up, growing me and tilling my heart like a farmer tills soil, is what keeps me grounded in him . . . pun intended.

Lamentations 3:25 - “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him.” While I am not looking for any reward or recognition, I do want to live a life that represents what it looks like to have Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life. I do want to know that I am shining as brightly as I can for him - being a light in dark places.

Isaiah 30:18 - "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” All things - at least for me that is - work out best when I wait on God. I can always look back and see what and why things unfolded the way they did - always for my good.

It’s amazing to me that in the period of time since leaving my job and serving in my community, that so many wonderful things have happened - things I did not see coming or in my future for that matter. Two published books, speaking engagements and a consulting and coaching business. My prayers to be used to help others are being answered even as I type these pages. Just two months ago God had me start a weekly podcast called Friday FLOW. Believe me when I tell you that if you had asked me even two years ago if I would be working with individuals and businesses, speaking in front of live audiences, and writing books, I would have said, “Nah, I don’t think so . . . but maybe.”

During the waiting period - which can be long and painful at times - God is doing a work in us and through us. Our hearts need to remain open during the waiting period so that our faith can grow. Serving others and doing things in a way that are pleasing to God is not only a great way to wait on him, but it’s what I consider a great distraction. You’re no longer focused on yourself, your needs and wants. Before you know it time passes, you move along and doors open. Before you know it life unfolds right before you and God prepares you to be reading for it.

FLOW is a way to bring God into every situation in your life. During the waiting period it can feel like God is not there with you. You don’t feel or sense his presence in your life, but he’s always there . . . waiting just like you are. Waiting for you to accept his leadings and gentle promptings. Waiting for you to answer. Waiting for you to fellowship with him. Waiting for you to be fully committed to whatever it is He is calling you to do and be.

Dear God,

I come before you to wait in your presence. Thank you in advance for what you are doing in me and for me during this time. Please help me to be patient and trust you while I wait. I want to stay grounded in your word. Father you know how easy it can be for me to jump in and do things in my own way, in my own time. Help me to be still and wait on you. In Jesus' name, Amen.