Currently, I am smack dab in the middle of a season I’ll lovingly refer to as “The Wait.” I hope to share more with you guys in the coming days OR weeks OR heaven forbid MONTHS, but around the same time I began “living forward” and working with a life coach, the Lord placed some pretty clear visions and dreams upon my heart.  That was in 2014. Here it is mid-2016 and those visions and dreams are SLOWLY coming to fruition.  But The Wait is definitely lasting longer than I ever anticipated.  And I got to thinking…I bet there are A LOT of people in the midst of their own Wait.  It’s a season of both excitement and frustration.  For me personally, it’s an emotional roller coaster!  Just when I think the scales are about to tip in my favor, the trail goes cold and The Wait continues.

Here are three things I’m doing to stay grounded during The Wait.

1. I’m reading.

One of my FAVORITE books that BEST illustrates the persistence and patience of The Wait is The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book that brings me as much hope as this one.  The basic premise of Mark’s book is to wrestle with God like Jacob until He blesses you; to pray circles around your circumstances and heart’s desires UNTIL God speaks or moves.  It doesn’t always mean God will speak and move the way you want Him to, but you pray through until the answer is clear. I think sometimes we give up praying too quickly and easily!  What if your prayer was going to be answered TOMORROW, but you decided to stop praying through TODAY?  For me, I’m not giving up.  I’m pulling God’s coattails and not stopping until I have an answer. I’m circling my dreams and visions in prayer.

Another favorite book during The Wait is The In-Between by Jeff Goins. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read it now.  The Wait is DEFINITELY an “in-between” season for me.  I love how Jeff encourages the reader to not miss what IS in the current season because you are HOPING for the next one.  I’ve begged the Lord to keep me present and to help me to find Him during The Wait.

And, by far, my favorite blog post on The Wait  was penned so beautifully by Lisa Whittle.  See here:  When God Anoints You But Doesn’t Appoint You (Yet)  Lisa NAILED it with this post.  I have questioned God OVER and OVER about The Wait.  I KNOW He’s calling me. I know what He’s anointed me to do.  He’s made that clear.  My heart is ALL IN with the dreams He’s placed inside it.  Yet, some days I wonder if it will EVER happen?  Why the delay in the appointing?  Lisa says it best: It almost feels cruel for God to give us a sense of destiny only to not release us to walk in it right away. And this is where the faith and trust we sing about and speak about play into real life.   He is requiring me to practice what I preach.

2. I’m praying.

This one goes without saying.  Throughout The Wait, I’m staying in constant communion with the Lord. If nothing else, this season has brought me greater dependence upon Him.  I’ve gotten up earlier and stayed up later just to read His Word and command His attention.  My quiet times are often filled with pleas and tears, but He returns comfort, peace and hope.

In Sun Stand Still, Pastor Steven Furtick taught me how to pray BOLD, AUDACIOUS prayers.  He even suggests that anything less insults God.  Why not pray for the impossible?  I mean, He IS God and specializes in working miracles.  So I’m choosing to ask boldly, BELIEVING without a second thought.  And recently, thanks to Heather Palacios (@wondherful), I’ve discovered Psalm 102:2 and have added “act quickly” into my prayer mix.

3. I’m moving forward.

Mentally, I’m preparing for all of my dreams and visions to materialize.  The Lord hasn’t given me a no.  And until the door is shut, I’m pushing onward. The Wait does not equal NO. It equals NOT YET.  Sure The Wait is taking longer than I anticipated, but it’s also providing time for me to prepare.  There’s lots of little details along the way that are slowly falling into place.  And small actions I’m taking now to inch me closer to my goals.  Sure God can swoop down, snap His fingers and BAM!  Dreams come true!  But instead, He’s preparing me little by little for the destiny He has in store.

Truth be told, there have been MANY times over the last 2 years I’ve been discouraged and maybe even a little upset with God. The Wait is HARD y’all! But what’s crazy, is that RIGHT at the time of despair and discouragement, He provides a light, whether it be in the form of a scripture, an encouraging word or a hopeful text.  Therefore, I feel He is continuing to prompt me to trust and wait.  And as HARD as it is not to force my dreams to happen NOW, I’d rather relinquish control to Him and receive the VERY BEST YES He has planned for me!

If you are waiting (for a diagnosis, for a spouse, for financial blessing, for a job, for deliverance or anything else near to your heart), place your trust wholeheartedly in He who carved the mountains and split the sea. He knows EXACTLY what you need and WHEN you need it.  Hold tightly to His promises.  He is never late and is always right on time.  His will is good and perfect!

Have you experienced your own WAIT?  How long did it take for resolution?  What other nuggets can you share for those of us in the midst?  And if you are CURRENTLY in the middle of The Wait, what else are you doing to exercise restraint and patience?  I would REALLY love to hear!  Please share in the comments below.