To celebrate the true essence of love this February, the youth ministry held a two-week seminar entitled, “Worth the Wait” where guest speakers Bro. Ojie Engracia and Karen Engracia, a married couple for twelve years talked about what the what the Bible has to say about dating and waiting. This event was a beautiful reminder to many that whether we are waiting for our dreams and hopes to come true, or waiting for “The One” in our lives, we can always rely on our unchanging God, for His plans and purpose for us will always be worth the wait.
What is waiting though, and what is the essence of waiting? What is its nature? Waiting literally means, “the action of staying where one is delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.” None of us like waiting. For some, it’s a painful process not worth experiencing. Whether we like it or not, it is inevitable in our life. Without noticing, waiting becomes a part of our everyday routine. We all wait for our food to be finished, we wait in line, we wait for the doctor to arrive at the clinic, and of course the most infamous instance of waiting, traffic. This is why the generation now values instant gratification, to avoid waiting. That’s why we have fast food chains, drive through areas, and high speed internet.
Does the Bible have anything to say about waiting? Of course it does. In Psalm 27:14, it says, “Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD”. Whether we are young or feeling “young”, we must treasure the word of God (Psalm 119:9-11) and put Christ above all (Colossians 1:18). Waiting on the Lord requires patience and trust. At first, it may be painful but always remember that the Lord knows His plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
As I end this article, I quote, “When God makes you wait for something, it is not His way of depriving you, but rather His means of changing you”,. Waiting on the Lord is a beautiful process. It is when we wait, we allow God to work in us. It reminds us that God is in control and not us. God is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. Who are we to question His sovereignty, wisdom, and omniscience? It is stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”, declares the Lord.
With this, I would like to encourage those of my age and those who are still waiting to keep trusting in God’s perfect timing. Singleness is a gift. While we are still young, we can use our youth and strength to advance His kingdom. When our goal is to honor the Lord, He guides and protects us each step of the way. Whatever happens, we know that everything is under His control. Whether life is extraordinary or difficult, keep pressing on. At the end, you will see God’s amazing work in your life and everything, including setbacks or success, will be worth it. 🙂