When it comes to the different seasons of our lives, sometimes it’s hard to appreciate them for what they are during that time. Why is that? I’d imagine it has a bit to do with our anxiousness for the “next thing” we want to happen for us. But–we can’t become so worrisome about what’s next that we miss out on what God desires to do for us to prepare us for that very “next thing.”
Some of us are waiting on a spouse. A new job opportunity. A good health report. In any case, it’s fair to ask yourself, “How am I waiting” as the answer plays a vital part in the process as much as receiving does.
Are you secretly pouting because you haven’t received it yet? Are you filling yourself up with information or content that depletes your faith rather than feeds it? Do you resent those who you see receive the very thing you’ve been asking God for? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s time to check your heart.
The other day, I stumbled across an old journal of mine. I was so elated to find it. There’s something about looking back on your journal entries and realizing just how much God has done since then (if you don’t journal, I encourage you to start!). Anyway, in one particular entry I had written a letter to God explaining to Him all of the different things I had going on in my life along with some of my short-term goals. And in that letter I shared with God that I was committed to growing in as many areas in the meantime while I waited for those goals to actualize in my life. One of those ‘goals’ was to be in a godly relationship that would lead to marriage. But what I loved about my entry was how I asked God to prepare me in the season of my wait. I asked him to develop me in areas that would be a gift to my husband that I wasn’t yet developed in. I asked him to teach me to cook–not Rachel Ray type cooking–but to help me learn to pull a decent meal together. I asked him to give me a desire and skill to keep a clean house. I asked him to develop me in skills that would mesh perfectly to help the vision of my husband. I prayed for myself, and I prayed for my husband also. So, ladies (and gentlemen), how are you waiting for your spouse? Consider doing your part both spiritually and naturally and check your heart in the process.
If you need a little help, here’s a starting point. This is written in the voice of a woman; it can easily be adapted however needed.
“Lord, I pray the man you are preparing for me is solely devoted to the will of God for his life. I pray that my husband would be sensitive to your Holy Spirit. I ask for that his spiritual and natural eyes be opened to the things of You. I declare you are developing him as a leader of our household and a leader of men. And God, I pray that you would reveal to me how to develop in the most practical ways that will bless my household. Show me how I can rid myself of selfish tendencies, insecurities, and other characteristics that will hinder my marriage. Show us how to keep ourselves pure as you show him the divine path of pursuit in finding me.”
I shared the experience of waiting for a spouse since I experienced it firsthand. But the same is true no matter what “next thing” you’re believing God for whether it’s a new promotion, a new house, a business opportunity, new car, a positive health report, a baby–the list is limitless. But what I want you to get from this is in adopting this way of waiting, you’ve covered yourself spiritually (through prayer) and naturally (through the practical ways you commit yourself to for growth).
Develop a heart of purity and faith coupled with Spirit-led action during your wait. Even more importantly, rest in God’s promise that says, “He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Speak according to what you desire; believe God for it by faith (Mark 11:22-24); and say to God, “I trust you to bring this to pass and I will gladly wait for your perfect timing.” Good things come to them that wait!
Live Courageously,
Love Boldly,
Walk Wisely,
Mrs. Bri Walker