When I am reading a novel, I will often skip to the end to see if the hairy conflict is resolved in a happy way that makes me smile. I hate dealing with the hellish uncertainty. I want to know how the story ends. I like it all wrapped up with a pretty bow, and I want to discover the nitty gritty details when it feels comfortable to me.

I do the same with movies — I will Google the plot and read up before I pay to rent a film. (I know. I know. I have issues.)

I can’t do this with my life though. I’ve tried several times, but Google and God won’t tell me exactly how my story ends.

Waiting well is not my strength.

Lately, I feel like my life is a bit like an episode of a soap opera, and I am about 2/3 of the way through in that really messy place where the hair rises up on the back of my neck, and I just want to fast forward to the closing scene and calm myself down.

I need some serious chocolate to help me through this crazy. I want to know what’s next. How is God going to get me through this?

I know I need to learn to let go of my control issues. Years ago, I read a “surrender your crazy to God” book by Stormie Omartian titled Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On. I think about that phrase often. Maybe I can’t handle the next page right now, so God keeps me re-writing this one until I figure it out and move on to the next part of my story.

As I wait, there is work to be done. God has placed me here for a reason, and I need to stop kicking and screaming about it and just cooperate with the Master Storyteller.

I don’t know if you feel stuck right now. But I am guessing there is more than one person reading this blog who feels like they are waiting for their life to restart, and you just want to turn the page already.

I’m continually reminding myself that God writes the best stories.  He is writing an epic really.  And, I just need to trust Him with my more icky uncomfortable parts.

Maybe like me you are in the middle of a messy story and waiting for

• a person you love to get a clue and stop being so crazy
• a closed door to open wide to bigger and better things
• a supernatural resolution to a really sticky situation you are struggling with

Yeah. Me, too. I am waiting for God to move and re-write a few tragic stories in my life.  In case you really stink waiting well like me, I want to share a few things I learned this week from the pages of the greatest story ever written.

4 Keys to Waiting Well for Your Restart

Widen your view and watch for wonder.

God has placed you on this path, but He has a grander purpose. Stop focusing on what is not, and watch for what might be. Stay in you lane and look for glimpses of His grace. There is beauty to be found right where you are if you just look around and stop obsessing.  

“Wait passionately for God, don’t leave the path. He’ll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.” (Psalm 37:34, MSG)

Ask God to fight your battles for you.

The enemy of your soul wants you to stop caring, stop trying, stop believing.  Don’t give him that satisfaction. Never give up and believe God will turn things around. Trust your Father is fighting for you, and He will settle the score in the end. 

“Don’t ever say, ‘I’ll get you for that!’ Wait for God; He’ll settle the score.” (Proverbs 20:22, MSG)

Invest in your intercession season.

Friend, the battle is won while you are on your knees. You will persevere as you push through in prayer. Make this your main priority as you wait.  

“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the worst.” (Lamentations 3:28-30, MSG)

Think about what’s to come.

Remember you are heaven bound, and it will be worth it when you see His face. There is more to your story than what you are experiencing here on earth. 

“Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God Himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.” (I Corinthians 1:7-9, MSG)

To help you get started, I put together list of  “10 Scriptures to Help You Wait Well.” Download a copy, print it out, and meditate on one passage each morning for the next 10 days. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Time is never wasted on God’s watch — even when you feel like you’re waiting for your life to restart. He’ll shape and strengthen you through each step. One day, you will look back and see how He kept you standing during that long stretch. Your friends and family will ask you for your secret, and you will share: “God carried me through, and He will walk with you, too.” Just you wait and see!

Those who wait well will receive restoration and fully witness His wonder at work.

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