God recently led me and my family into a time of transition. This transition includes a change of jobs (for me), a change of cities (for all of us), and a change of schools (for my kids). Changes can be exciting, but they are also stressful.
Our move has taken longer than originally anticipated. That requires a lot of patience and persistence. It has also caused me to ask, “What can I do to maximize this time in my life?”
I believe that God has a purpose for everything that happens to us in life – the good as well as the bad. This delay is part of God’s plan for me so I want make the most of it. I also don’t want to become passive, wasting the days I have between now and whenever.
You may also be experiencing a season of delay. You are tried of sitting on the sidelines and you want to make the most of your time. What can you do while you wait?
- Learn Something New. Transitions and delays are a great times to upgrade your knowledge or skills. Read a book or take a class. Take a trip or start a new hobby. Israel’s King David learned all kinds of things while he waited to ascend to the throne.
- Grow Your Faith. Abraham and Sarah waited for 25 years for a biological son. They made several mistakes along the way, but they eventually saw God’s promise come true. They exercised their faith in ways they never thought possible when they began their journey with God.
- Rest and Relax. Life can be hectic and draining. We don’t always take advantage of the natural rhythms of life that God had provided to sustain us. Waiting forces us to slow down for a season which can provided some much needed rest. Jesus expected a lot out of His disciples, but He also showed them how to rest.
- Reconnect with Loved Ones. Social media and electronics have given us the false impression that we can stay in touch with everyone all the time. That is simply not possible because there are only so many hours in the day. Season of delay might be just what you need to look up someone you haven’t seen in awhile. The apostle Paul used the transitions between his mission trips to reconnect with the believers that sent him out into ministry.
- Seek Clarity. This might be the toughest option because you may not be able to get the kind of clarity you are hoping for. Sometimes God explains the reasons for delay and sometimes the rationale doesn’t come until later. Nevertheless, it never a bad idea to lean into your relationship with and ask Him for wisdom and understanding.
Don’t have to waste your wait! Use it as an opportunity to prepare for what’s next. Use it as an opportunity to partner with God.
What else would you suggest to someone who is experiencing a time of transition? Join the conversation and leave your comment below.
Thank you for sharing this thought provoking post. I can identify with some of this since we have moved often in our lives. Starting from the day I officially resigned my position until I started the transition was often a time when I did not feel as productive. Your post does a great job of suggesting things that can be done to avoid wasting Gods’ time. In our daily lives it seems like we are always waiting for something that takes our focus away from the mission.
Are you reading my mind?
Excellent Jeremy! This is helpful as we all need to be patient. Many times we need to wait in the Lord. We are praying for your home to sell soon.
If the Lord is in your move, He will work out the details in your life. Tom and I think of you and your family. We trust things are going well for you all. I think of your parents, too. I believe Sarah’s dad’s name is on our church’s prayer list.
“Don’t waste your wait!” Need to make a motivational sign out of this. We could have definitely used it this past year.