The Weight in the Waiting
Photo by Yulissa Tangle on Unsplash
DETAILS
The value of the weight in waiting
The purpose and process of waiting
Navigating the “Weight” in the Wait
A particular workout exercise in strength training is called a deadlift. There are multiple deadlift variations, but its primary goal is to work with various muscle groups at once, increasing overall strength and stability. In one of the variations, you hold a certain amount of weight for an extended period off the ground. That's it. Before you think this is a straightforward exercise, you need to try it to see how quickly intense it can be. It can be a challenge. What is interesting about this training is while it appears nothing is happening, multiple muscle groups, especially your core, are activated, and, over time, they get stronger and offer you more stability. Yes, while it appears nothing is happening, there is a strengthening developing during the wait.
Many of us don't like to wait. And when we do, it feels like a burden - just like the deadlift. I have found this to be true in my personal life. I am growing in patience and ask God to help me exhibit this fruit of the Holy Spirit daily. Of course, it is no wonder I find myself in long lines or having to wait an extra day for an Amazon order. At times, the process feels frustrating and heavy, especially when I don't see immediate results. But just like the deadlifts, the outcome is worth it if we don't give up in the middle of the waiting period.
That weight in the waiting can be emotionally crushing for some of us. Perhaps you are waiting for healing, waiting for a job opportunity, waiting to hear good news, waiting to see God answer a prayer you have prayed for years. You feel like the emotion of waiting for your hopes or dreams to become a reality feels more like a weight as you wonder if it will ever come to pass. Don't give up. Keep going and growing, in strength, in the wait by trusting God. And we can do this by understanding the purpose and process of the weight in the waiting.
Purpose of the weight
The purpose of the weight is for us to get strengthened as we wait and see God in our lives afresh. Isaiah 40:31 is a very popular verse with Christians. I love the MSG version in particular,
"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."
We get new strength in waiting upon God because we see Him in different ways through the process. Like a kaleidoscope, you see a new view depending on how you turn or look. We get to know Him as redeemer, and then restorer, and then friend, and then advocate, and so on. In the process of waiting, as we grow in the knowledge of Him, we grow in intimacy with Him, increasing our focus on God while diminishing our laser focus on the wait.
Process of waiting
Here is a short video on the process of waiting - Navigating the weight in your waiting.
There is a benefit to the weight you feel in your waiting. It adds value to the overall outcome. I pray God reveals His heart to you in a great way as you navigate the weight during this waiting period.