"The words WAIT and PATIENTLY seem to create an oxymoron: a figure of speech where apparently contradictory terms appear together. The words seem incomparable, but are linked." Kathy Spampinato

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are waiting for what seems like forever? Have you had a problem that needs an answer and requires decisions, direction, and change? Have you prayed and asked God for wisdom and then waited for guidance that doesn't seem to come? Sometimes I am ready for action and I still do not know which step to take? Sometimes the waiting feels so long that I just crave the chance to move in any direction.

I have found that in the waiting, there is progress and growth, but I do not know anyone who loves waiting itself. However, the Bible encourages us to "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Ps 37:7a. The words WAIT and PATIENTLY seem to create an oxymoron: a figure of speech where apparently contradictory terms appear together. The words seem incomparable, but are linked. It reminds me of being stuck in traffic. The road you are on is the route out. It is the way to get where you're headed, but when there is an accident, the situation forces you to wait. You are being delayed, held up, and limited in your progress. Your traffic app cannot reroute you: there is no other option but to wait. Are you able to do that patiently?

Psalm 130:1-2, 5 NIV "Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Your prayer, spoken from a heart that earnestly seeks an answer, reaches out. It calls out to God to rescue you from your decision or your situation. You wait in faith and put all your trust in God, and yet you wait some more. Your frustration calls out for action: for God to do something! Your mind will not rest as it seeks an answer and reworks all the options. Then you find that you are still not sure. You are still in the waiting and you pray some more.

Ps 31:1-3, 16-17a, 24 "In you Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint."

This verse reassures us that there is purpose in the situation. Our strength is being renewed. Our hope is not in vain. Our God is faithful. When we have learned to trust Him, we will see Him move on our behalf. We will see His love extended and recognize that He is the one who rescues and guides. Our desperation has compelled us to grow and we know we will make it because of the faith, hope, and trust we have earned in the process.

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."

This verse is the key to having the peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of trouble. We can keep our mind steadfastly trusting even before we have our answer. We can weather the storms of life with the assurance that God will come through for us. As we trust Him in small things, He will guide us to find strength in Him and recognize His faithfulness for bigger things.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Today, I encourage you to have faith, and to wait patiently for the Lord. He will show himself strong on your behalf!