1. The outcome you are expectantly waiting for is already known by God.
It might be hard to breathe as you wait to learn about what is next and what this means for the shape of your life. But for better of worse, God already knows what you need and is equipping you even while you wait to be strengthened by His power and His peace. So right now, breathe, and find comfort in the knowledge that God is not only the author of your faith, but He is the pioneer of your faith. He has gone before you and will lead you to the other side of whatever journey has your heart wondering, wandering, or waiting right now.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV
(I can’t decide which translation I love more, so here is what the NKJV says…)
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”
2. Your faith can be deepened or darkened.
The Bible doesn’t say we walk by sight. It says we walk by faith, not by sight. But we have a lot to look forward to with our spiritual eyes. With Christ at the center of our hearts, one day our faith will be made sight. We will be able to see the completed version of our stories and the meaning behind all those transitions and the steps that were required before and after the waiting. Right now, as you wait, you have the opportunity to put your trust in the Lord’s good plan for your life. He cannot make evil. He only makes good. Rest in that. It’s easy to try to take control of the situation and make plans to speed up the process. But the truth is, doing that darkens your faith in God and illuminates the fact that actually, you do not have the ultimate power for all the outcomes you desire. Since you can’t see how things will ultimately turn out, it’s best to leave that up to the one who does. God knows the outcome. Let Him move you from faith to faith with His perfect light for each step that He moves your foot to. The more you place your faith in Him, the more beautiful your story will read.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14, NIV
3. Whatever the outcome is, God will strengthen you to move.
That which you are waiting for will eventually bring forth results. You may be elated about the news or your may be deflated. Either way, chances are you will likely be weary from the wait. You’ve already faced a battle of taking your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. You may have had victories in that battle and you may have had losses. When you fight the good faith, it’s tiring. For good news, bad news, and complicated news, you need strength. Lean into the One who made you and who makes all things new. He will renew your strength by His own strength. Where you lack energy, He will pour in His power to demonstrate His greatness. And He will not abandon you. He will move you forward by the power of His presence and the truth of His Word.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10, NKJV