SEASONS OF WAITING

 

Seasons of Waiting

Jennifer Woodley

‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.’ Psalm 40:1 (NRSV)

In the summer, the airways are crammed with the constant buzzing of cicadas calling for a mate. 

Before emerging for a mere three months of life to shine and sing their hearts out, cicadas can spend up to a staggering 17 years underground as a nymph. 

That’s an unfathomable time to wait. 

But it takes time for something beautiful to emerge.

Just like the cicada, we too are called to seasons of waiting. 

In our waiting season, there is a temptation to think that nothing is happening. 

But that’s not true. 

When we are waiting, we are not doing nothing. 

We are doing the most important thing there is. 

We are allowing our soul to grow up. 

This is the season where we cease our work, and God does His work upon us. 

In this season, there is time for God to show us what is really true for us, what is best for us, what we are struggling with, and in what ways we need to release control to Him. 

If we can’t be still and wait, we can’t become what God created us to be.

Plan on having to wait, or else like the five maidens in Matthew 25:1-13, who didn’t bring enough oil during their time of waiting for the bridegroom, we will miss out on what God is doing. 

Waiting is about being prepared to stay still through the uncertain times and enduring in patience until something good emerges. 

How well are we waiting?

Jennifer lives with her family in Australia. She enjoys encouraging others on the Christian journey through writing and mentoring. Contact