For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 ESV
In the wake of hurricane Ian, the LPGA Tour postponed the second stage of the LPGA Q-series by two weeks. While not a life and death situation or total loss of one’s possessions, such a decision causes a ripple effect, especially for the 179 competitors. While travel changes might be a nuisance, the players had to renegotiate their physical and mental preparation. Sometimes waiting for what is to come is the hardest thing.
Today, the 179 female professionals play their first round of the 2022 Second Stage of the Q-series. They hope to earn a spot in the final Q-series stage in December, where eight more rounds will be played for a coveted LPGA Tour Card. A failure to attain status means a year-long wait to try again.
A technologically advanced society turns its nose up to the idea of waiting. We have been groomed for instant results and immediate feedback. We tend to blame social media, but really our need for life to move fast has been in motion for a long time. Getting off the hamster wheel of life is hard. A struggle I know all too personally.
The stories in the scriptures tell a different kind of relationship with time. There was a lot of waiting, and not short waits either.
Noah waited forty days and nights floating in a giant sea of water. Abraham and Sarah waited decades for Isaac. Joseph waited years on multiple occasions to be lifted out of harm. Moses waited forty years in the desert before God appeared in the burning bush.
The Israelites waited forty years to enter the promised land, a two-week journey away. David waited for his kingship for fifteen years. The Prophets waited…and waited…and waited for God’s people to listen.
Mary waited for nine months in wonder for the fulfillment of Jesus’ birth. Jesus waited for thirty years before he began his three-year walk toward the cross.
While we run through life, we are ultimately waiting too. We are waiting for Jesus’ return along with countless daily needs: a new job, an expectant birth, the last days of life, a restored relationship, a return to health, a celebration, someone to change, a vacation, more finances, community, a new season, or you fill in the blank.
As I ponder what I am waiting for, I am reminded to wait with intentionality.
- Do the work God has appointed you to do (2 Thessalonians 3:6-7)
- Seek wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6)
- Be steadfast in prayer (Luke 18:1)
- Be generous (2 Corinthians 9:11)
- Be comforted (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
- Experience joy (Colossians 1:11)
May we all be encouraged that in our waiting, God is near.
Prayer: Lord, as I reflect on what I am waiting for, I ask your Holy Spirit to lead and guide me to wait with intentionality. Thank you for your presence during the wait.