So much of our life includes lots of waiting time.  We wait to be served at a restaurant, at the bank, fast-food drive through, paying for groceries, shopping at a department store, etc.

Even here in the slower-paced Ozarks, especially in Branson, Missouri area all the “locals” have learned to take alternate routes around the Highway 76 strip.  During the tourist season bumper-to-bumper traffic crawls at a speed of 5-10 miles per hour and often comes to a stand-still.

Likewise, in our spiritual lives there is a passing of time involved before the answers to our prayers manifest. We have prayed, we believe God has heard, and then the “waiting” begins.  How long will it last?

We soon realize our waiting periods vary in length. Often this can be a time of frustration and questioning.  However, regardless of the duration of this season, it inevitably stretches and tests our faith, trust and patience.

God hears the cries of His people so let’s believe His Word above any circumstances.  During your meantime God is working behind the scenes on your behalf.  This is a time of preparation, conditioning and strengthening. The more extensive and difficult the delay, the greater the test to endure.

Remind yourself of God’s Word which says you CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13) Seek the Lord, pray and believe God has heard your prayers.  Stay in faith — your answer is on the way!  God is faithful.

What can you do while in the “waiting room”?  If any of you have given birth then you understand the pressure is greatest right before the baby is born.  This is also true when we are anticipating our breakthrough.  Determine not to give up when the heat of warfare is the hottest!

What should our attitude be? How can we avoid becoming bitter, giving up or losing faith?  Pastor John Davis of Branson Revival shared some wisdom from God’s Word regarding this. These are the “BE’s” that will help you during your waiting season. When practiced they are beneficial to everyday living as well.

Be Faithful! — Be Thankful! — Be Patient! — Be Kind!

Be Faithful! — Revelation 2:10 – God rewards the faithful.  Don’t jump ship when the shore is in sight!  Even if it is “foggy” and you can’t see the shore, remember with every passing day you are closer to your turnaround.

Be Thankful! — God is a good God and He loves you!  Be grateful to God for His goodness, strength and help during this season. Continue expressing your gratitude that God is turning your situation around for good.  Discipline your flesh to give thanks and praise the Lord regardless of the swirling storm.

Psalms 100:4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Be Patient! – Avoid griping and murmuring. This can be a time of significant character growth by repenting quickly when you catch yourself complaining.  Instead, declare God’s promises over your circumstances.

Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Hebrews 6:15-16 –“And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”

Would you like to be without lack? Then grow in patience while you are waiting!!

James 1:4-5 –“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Be Kind! – Your family and those around you will appreciate your kindness in the midst of your waiting.  When tempted to say hurtful or discouraging words, bridle (hold) your tongue!  Also, be kind to yourself by not being overly harsh or critical of yourself.  The Holy Spirit leads and guides you into all truth.

Ephesians 5:1 – “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us….”

Be Ready! – In order to “be ready” you have to “get ready.” Getting ready includes praying, studying God’s Word, and being a doer of the Word.  Let your wait be a learning time. Look at this positively knowing that God knows your need and He already has a provision and solution.

I Peter 3:5 – “…and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you…”

Stay close to God and you will emerge victoriously from your “waiting time.”  Be sure to give God the glory and share your testimony so others are encouraged.

Remember, you are never alone — God is with you while you’re waiting.

Enjoy this song by John Waller “While I’m Waiting.”