Between Now and Not Yet: Thriving in Life's Waiting Seasons

Between Now and Not Yet: Thriving in Life's Waiting Seasons
Life is a journey filled with moments of anticipation, promise, and, often, waiting. We find ourselves caught between the "now" of our current circumstances and the "not yet" of God's promises. This tension can be challenging, but it is in these in-between seasons that we have the opportunity not merely to endure but to truly thrive.

The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who navigated these waiting periods with grace and faith. Consider Abraham, who waited 25 years for the fulfilment of God's promise of a son. Or Joseph, whose teenage dreams of leadership took 13 years to materialise as he rose from prisoner to ruler of Egypt. David, anointed as king in his youth, spent approximately 15 years in waiting before ascending to the throne. Even the disciples of Jesus experienced a period of waiting between His ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

These stories remind us that waiting is not merely common; it is often by divine design. As we read in Habakkuk 2:3, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." God allows these seasons of waiting for several profound reasons:

1. Preparation: God uses this time to shape us, making us ready to handle the blessings and responsibilities He has prepared for us.
2. Trust and Dependence: Waiting teaches us to rely on God rather than our own efforts or understanding.
3. Character Development: Patience, endurance, and faithfulness are cultivated in the soil of waiting.

It is crucial to understand that God does not leave us in limbo during these in-between times. While we may be focused on the future promise, He is intimately aware of our present needs. Whether you are waiting for a job while bills pile up, trusting for business restoration while daily needs press in, or holding onto faith for a child while enduring the pain of infertility, God sees and cares about your journey.

The story of the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-10 beautifully illustrates God's attentiveness to our in-between moments. When the wine ran out, creating a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts, Jesus' mother brought the problem to Him. His response, "My hour has not yet come," might seem dismissive at first. However, it teaches us a powerful lesson about trusting God's timing and believing in His ability to solve our problems, even when the solution is not immediately apparent.

However, the waiting season is not without its dangers. We may be tempted by substitutes, like Sarah, who tried to fulfil God's promise through Hagar. Doubt and discouragement can creep in, causing us to question whether we heard God correctly. There is also the risk of settling for less, like Esau, who traded his birthright for a bowl of stew, or losing focus and complaining, as the Israelites did in the wilderness.

So, how do we thrive in these in-between seasons? Here are some key principles:

1. Trust in God's Timing: Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God "has made everything beautiful in its time." His delays are not denials; His plan is perfect.
2. Keep Serving Faithfully: Joseph's story teaches us the importance of being diligent in our current assignments, no matter how small they may seem. As Luke 16:10 says, "He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much."
3. Strengthen Your Faith Through the Word: Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Meditate on God's promises rather than your problems.
4. Pray and Seek God's Presence: Lamentations 3:25 encourages us, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." Waiting is not passive; it is an active pressing into God.
5. Guard Your Heart and Mind: Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us to be anxious for nothing, but to make our requests known to God with thanksgiving. Surround yourself with faith-filled people who encourage rather than discourage.
6. Believe and Commit Issues to God: Just as Mary instructed the servants at the wedding, "Whatever He says to you, do it" (John 2:5), we too must be ready to obey God's instructions, even if they seem unconventional.
7. Stay Close to God: The psalmist declares in Psalm 73:28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God." Our waiting seasons are opportunities to deepen our relationship with Him.

Remember, your perspective determines your experience. Instead of viewing the in-between season as a frustrating delay, see it as an opportunity for God to work in extraordinary ways. He is not only preparing your promise; He is preparing you for the promise.

Isaiah 40:31 offers this beautiful assurance: "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." This promise reminds us that waiting on God is not a waste of time. It is a renewal of strength, a lifting of our spirits, and an infusion of divine energy.

As you navigate your own "between now and not yet" season, take heart. God sees the in-between. He does not just care about the destination; He walks the journey with you. Your waiting is not in vain. Every moment is an opportunity for growth, for deepening trust, and for experiencing God's faithfulness in new ways.

So, will you choose to thrive in this season? Will you trust Him fully, even when you cannot see the full picture? Remember, His promises never fail. The vision will surely come to pass. In the meantime, embrace the journey, for it is in these moments that some of life's most precious lessons are learned and some of the most profound miracles occur.

Your "not yet" is coming. Until then, flourish in the "now," knowing that God is with you every step of the way.