Previously published on 5/6/2013

As I write this, I’m sitting on the floor of the Chicago O’Hare Airport, waiting for a flight. I’ve been here for almost 7 hours. Needless to say, I’m tired of waiting. By now, I should have already joined my family in last minute preparations and celebration for my cousin’s wedding tomorrow. But, instead, I’m sitting on the floor…waiting.

I’ve spent a good bit of time, in my life, just waiting for something. I remember how I couldn’t wait to make it to high school or until I was old enough to drive. I remember waiting for my college acceptance letters, praying I’d get into my first choice of schools. And, I remember waiting for good news about a sick loved one’s condition.

Every circumstance of waiting brings its own lessons. But, one thing I know for sure, is that waiting on the Lord’s timing is always worth it. I don’t know why I’m having to wait right now for this airplane. But, I imagine it has something to do with safety. It’s either unsafe to fly in the current weather, or they are making sure the plane is flight worthy. Either way, I’m happy to wait rather than risk my life.

Waiting is difficult. It’s especially difficult when we don’t know what it is for which we wait. I’ve been waiting for a long time for the fulfillment of God’s promises, and I am finally beginning to see His hand at work. I had faith that He would come through, but it wasn’t always easy. And, if I’m honest, I have to say that I wrestled with a lot of doubt. But, The Lord has given us a promise in the waiting:

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to Him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for 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.” Isaiah 40:28-31

“Now boarding for Charlottesville…” My waiting is over, for the moment. I’m headed to the next stop in my journey. What about you? Will you wait for The Lord and rest in His strength? I promise, it’s always worth it, even if the wait is long.