We get a word and we step out only to find that the path starts to lose its defining edges and becomes somewhat blurred. When this happens we begin a self-examination that does not always result in the outcome we were looking for, or thought we needed. Often we begin such a journey, hoping that it will be a short trip, only to find that we are on an extended sabbatical with no obvious end in sight.
I think we have all experienced this at different points in our life. We were certain of our way forward only to see the season come to an abrupt end, perhaps not ever reaching the momentum that we had hoped would follow. If you are like me you ask questions, and not just one, but many.
I know that by asking questions I will at the very least have some closure when the answers do come. Key for me is my expectation in regard to timing, is it the Lord’s or mine. If I am holding God to my perceived clock, then I may feel like I am waiting excessively, but if I am open to His timing I am happier. In the meantime, I have choices to make that can make my wait easier, or should I say bearable.
Years ago I felt the Holy Spirit give me a lesson in gardening that was really instructional. He told me that while I waited to see my garden take root and produce, I could help someone in theirs. This was so revealing as it really gave me the courage to step out and learn from another just how they work to bring forth fruit. It was also humbling as I was basically declaring that I need guidance, I see that you are profiting from your skill, and can you teach me. I believe the Lord spoke the analogy of a garden because I love many aspects of gardening. I love a dark fertile soil, I love putting my hands in that soil, I love watering what I have planted, and I love watching those plants grow. It is simple and yet captivating for me. Oh, and I don’t especially love annuals, but I am over the moon about perennials because they have many seasons of flourishing. The other attraction of perennials is that they will often increase in size and magnitude year after year; so giving them enough room to grow and spread is crucial. See any correlation here?
Remembering that I am not pursuing my personal path, but am working along with another to help their garden grow is important, as I wait on my answers. As I do the math on this I see that my break is perhaps not all bad. I am acquiring some knowledge, I can see outside of my own box as I look from a different perspective, even if only from across the street, and I am not so anxious as I wait because I am feeling useful and productive.
I can’t answer for you, but I can tell you that this process works for me. It gives me the stamina to keep going, to keep asking, and to keep praising, as I know that I am not forgotten. I am not lingering needlessly as I wait, and I may be just the answer to another’s prayer when they were feeling overwhelmed and in need of fresh recruits.
Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind, “ 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.”