Habakkuk 2: 3

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

This article presents a thought-provoking question that could rattle the mind, and at the same time lead to a worthy outcome for a sincere heart. It’s often said that ‘waiting periods’ are inevitable in life – that is ‘waiting’ is a part of life. It could be in our health, marriages, career, relationships, etc., there is always something to wait for at any point in life.

The waiting periods vary in length depending on the nature, situation, our attitude, and other variables; it could be short or long. However, waiting periods are never pleasant – it’s most times characterized by restlessness, impatience, frustration, and anger. But in most cases, God uses the waiting period to show one or two lessons we could learn, and ultimately refine our character into His image!

Our attitude during waiting periods has a lot to do with the process! It’s often said that ‘attitude determines your altitude’…and I would add…’and how fast or slowly that waiting period is resolved’. God is not quick to bring us out of that waiting period until we have learnt one or two virtues. It is through the path of pain that we come to perfection!

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years because of their attitude. God was displeased, and would not take them forward until they got it! Therefore, it pays to allow the process to take its course in refining our character, especially in extended waiting periods, so that we stop circling round the same mountain and marking time!

It’s possible to be happy, grateful, thankful, and pleasant while waiting! Submit to the pruning process and learn whatever lesson God wants to teach you. It could be a lesson on patience, humility, obedience, forgiveness, faith, etc., – the earlier we learn the lesson, the faster the waiting period is resolved!

Let me clarify this as I close – God does not author evil; but He sometimes allows us to be a waiting period so as to make us a better person. We cannot exclusively identity all the reasons for the wait periods in most cases; however, our attitude (and ability to learn the lessons on time) play a key role in the resolution of that wait period.

So take a minute to check your attitude and character since you’ve been waiting – could you possibly be the reason for the delay?

Food for thought.