The Waiting Period…
I am in the window of the waiting period… 29 weeks pregnant and little William could arrive any day now!
Maybe you feel you’re in a waiting period as well. Could be a job, finances, future plans, your family, friendships, your goals and it can all feel so uncertain and overwhelming. Not necessarily in a bad way but in a heightened way, a little nervous and excited. Sometimes I feel a bit of anxiety and then a burst of energy, happy yet I’m crying, sad but I’m happy, energized and then depleted! It’s a lot of emotions and those alone can take you on a wild ride if not dealt with appropriately and kindly. Remembering of course we are always in control of our emotions (even though it may feel we are not), but one thing is for sure, we are not in control of the timing of things. God’s timing is very different than our own and it’s best we trust His timing over our own. Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” That alone is such a huge relief knowing that God has bigger and better plans for us than we have for ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, it takes a HUGE amount of faith to trust Him during the waiting period, but when we do, we often find His ways are just so much better than our own. The faith factor changes a lot of how I live out my day to day. Having child like faith is a gift and happens when you spend time in His Word. It gives you the freedom to surrender and trust God in every area and aspect of your life. It grounds you, guards you, and protects you in all times, especially in the hard times or times of waiting. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I talk about this verse a lot because it is the absolute truth. God always works things out for His glory and His good and in His PERFECT timing, we need this as a daily reminder in continuing to build our confidence and trust in Him. Our own doing is not enough, our own successes are not enough, not even to bring complete fulfillment and joy! It is only in Christ and through Christ that we will have a long lasting, eternal joy, one that can never be let down even when we fail or things do not workout in our favor. This life alone is fleeting, and our temporary success and happiness will always come and go, but when we allow God to work in us and through us, letting all the glory be His, that feeling of success or fail, win or lose will last a lifetime in gratitude and/or humbleness. A favorite family bible verse and one that I grew up with as a child is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It’s comforting to know God has the best intentions for His children. Yes we live in a fallen world so there’s no promise it will be easy, and Jesus tells us that in the Bible multiple times. One thing we can rest assured is knowing that God has a plan for each of our lives. It may not always be what we expect, or how we’ve envisioned, but whether it’s in this lifetime or the next he has plans for us to thrive, produce, and to give us hope and a future. This of course is all dependent on Him not ourselves!
I’ve been reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11 everyday as part of my surrender prayer to God during my waiting period. In fact I’ll share my Birthing Prayer with you…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You are my God and my Lord, I trust in you, and declare your truth and your goodness. Help me stay focused on you, give me your peace, your strength, and your endurance. Deliver this child with grace, and swiftness. Keep us safe in your hands and help us work together as a team for your glory in building your Kingdom.
I am encouraged daily knowing how much God loves me, and that he designed me specifically for a reason, and specifically to have this Child at this particular point and time. The world seems to have gone mad, and yet we stride forward. We need more Children of God, we need warriors and leaders to help this nation and bring people back to Him. I’m honored that God has chosen me and given me this child to be the salt of the earth and a light in the world. To be a reflection of Christ in a world that is so broken, so lost, so dark and in desperate need of their Savior Jesus Christ. I pray daily for my Childs spirit, calling Him to attention in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, asking for God to make Him a man after His heart, and an advocate and leader for Him. I support my prayer with scripture from the timeless truth, Gods Word the Bible. I am excited to meet William soon and start my “mom ministry” in instructing, teaching, and loving him in the ways of the Lord.
It is not a time to be fearful.
It is not a time to be silent.
It is not a time to lose hope.
God is so good, and His timing is perfect. All I can do is be patient and faithful to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and know that He has everything under control! My faith rests in Him and Him alone.
Be strong, Be encouraged, and Be patient during the waiting period. God has better things in store, don’t run ahead of Him, trust Him!
