Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” Times of waiting are just a part of life. No matter who you are, there will always come a time when something in your life ends and you are forced to wait for something new. It is not always a comfortable process, but we would do well to master it. I wish I could be more like our German Shepherd, Cherokee. No, I don’t want to sleep in a cage, but I would love to have her ability to trust her master. Through the years Cherokee and I have developed a game. We love to take walks together. While I enjoy the exercise, she investigates the smells along the road. But every walk finally ends. When we reach our lane I ask her to sit and stay while I remove her leash. She quietly focuses her brown eyes on me, and waits. Sometimes I walk away. Sometimes I circle around her. Sometimes I just stand still. But no matter what, her eyes remain intently focused on my every move. She is waiting patiently with every muscle tense and ready for my signal. After a few moments I stretch out my hand and say, “Go.” Without hesitation she is off like a shot, racing full speed towards the house. And every time I’m amazed at her willingness to trustingly wait for my word. I so wish I could be like this when it comes to waiting for God. Recently a fulfilling activity in my life ended. It is time for me to listen for God’s new direction. Unlike Cherokee I often fret and rack my brain trying to understand the delay or conjure up the next move, when all God wants me to do is fix my eyes on Him and wait for the signal. Times of waiting can be times of rest. They can be times of finishing necessary jobs so we are unhindered when a new opportunity comes. But during these days, months or years we must be focused on God and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I am not sure what is next for me. One enjoyable and pleasant walk is over. It is time to sit and stay with muscles tense and ready while I focus my eyes on my faithful Master. I want to be ready to take off like a shot when I hear Him command, “Go.” Are you in a time of waiting? Take a lesson from Cherokee. Wait patiently. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com |