Tips on how to handle the waiting season.
I love new seasons and changes, but I have a bitter-sweet feeling about the waiting season. The waiting season is something that every person has to deal with multiple times in life. There are so many different types of waiting seasons that people go through in their lives. I have been in the “waiting to graduate season”, “waiting to move season”, “the waiting to start a new job season”, and many, many more! Out of all of the waiting seasons, my personal favorite (ha, ha) and the longest season I’ve been in is waiting for my Mr. Right. I truly believe that I deserve some type of award because I have become the “Queen of Waiting”. (Do I like the waiting season? Not all of the time, but there are ways to survive this uncomfortable time in life.)
What is the Waiting Season?
So what exactly is the waiting season? I have heard so many people mention the waiting season, but they never really explained it. Based on my research and my experience, here is my definition. The waiting season is a transitional season that can usually be found when someone is moving from one stage of life to another. An example could be a person graduating from college and is hoping to start a new job as an adult. The waiting season would be that person’s job hunting journey. Another example could be a woman about to become a first-time mom. The waiting season might be her pregnancy and her new season is having a new baby in her life. The waiting season comes during many stages of life.
One key thing I had to realize about the waiting season is that it is very crucial how I manage the waiting. The things we do and the choices we make will determine our progression to a new season. NFL teams who were Super Bowl winners had to train and prepare for that season in order for them to win the Super Bowl. So, the big question is, how do you prepare while you’re in the waiting season? Don’t worry sis, I got you!
Tip #1: Stay Prayed Up
We all know the importance of praying, but in the waiting season, the meaning is on a whole other level. It’s so important to stay prayed up during the waiting season because the waiting season is the perfect time for the enemy to pop up and cause distractions. If you fall for these distractions, it might prolong your waiting season and delay your next stage in life.
Staying prayed up allows you to strengthen your relationship with God because you have a constant connection with him while you're praying, worshiping, and reading His word. When you pray during the waiting season, pray for EVERYTHING. During my waiting seasons, I found myself praying 24/7 for everything related to my upcoming season. I prayed to God about all my concerns, problems, and worries. The great thing about God is that He knows how you're feeling and all He wants you to do is bring your feelings and issues to Him. If you’re feeling frustrated, helpless, or not worthy of your upcoming season, take it all to God.
The waiting season is such a powerful time because it’s either going to break you or make you. The enemy knows this because as you become stronger, it becomes weaker. So the enemy is gonna try everything in its power to distract and basically jack up your life. That is why it’s so important to stay prayed up and connected with God. During my season, I made sure I was reading devotions, praying faithfully, finding accountability partners, and connecting with my spiritual mentors. I did all of this while I was waiting, to ensure that I was constantly putting God first in everything.
Tip # 2: Embrace It
Some waiting seasons can be fun and exciting. While other waiting seasons can be unexpected and hard. No matter what type of waiting season you are experiencing, EMBRACE IT. There is a reason why we go through different types of seasons. If we constantly worry and complain about our seasons, then we may end up missing a whole bunch of little blessings.
Fun fact about me, I used to hate waiting. In the past, when I found myself in a waiting season, I was always planning and focusing on the next season. I never just stepped back and embraced my current waiting season. When I moved to Orlando, I began my stay by wasting my waiting season. I spent so much time thinking about what life was going to be like when I got back to Hattiesburg or counting how many days I had left during my internship, or complaining about how tired I was to do anything. I didn’t even realize that I was letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass me up. I finally caught on and started embracing the journey and was able to make some lifetime memories in Florida.
Don’t be like me and waste your waiting season, because you never know what God has in store for you. As you start to embrace your waiting season, remember this:
WAITING ON THE LORD BUILDS ENDURANCE.
WAITING ON THE LORD PREPARES YOUR PROMISE.
WAITING ON GOD PROTECTS US FROM DANGER.
WAITING ON GOD TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS ALLOWS US TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
WAITING ALLOWS GOD TO SHOW US WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF.
WAITING ALLOWS US TO WAIT.
Tip #3: Make a Plan
I'm a planner and I plan everything! So it makes sense for me to make a plan while I’m in the waiting season. Planning is a great way to stay on track while you’re waiting. You can set mini-goals and really see your progress during your season. Depending on the length of time of my waiting season, I make mini-challenges to help stay active so I won’t become stagnant or complacent.
Tip #4: Stop Sitting And Do Something!
Once you’ve made a plan, it's time to take action. Like they say, “ A plan without action is not a plan, it’s a speech”. This is the time to go after those mini-goals you made for yourself. One of my goals was to be more consistent with my blog, hence why you are reading this blog today! I know sometimes in the waiting season, you can feel a little unmotivated. You can easily find yourself self-doubting yourself, your goals, and your dreams. But I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and do SOMETHING. It can be your goals from your plan or something random. Whatever it is, don’t just sit in your waiting season. Take full advantage of it and see how God works in your season!
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