As I write this, I am sitting on a plane that was two hours late in taking off. (I am on a bad streak when it comes to flying lately.) I have noticed lately that so many people I know are “waiting” on something.

I am now getting pretty used to waiting. And, I must say, if we have the right attitude, we will probably learn something out of it. One of the hardest challenges we ever had in waiting was the time Kristin and I felt we were supposed to give away one of our two vehicles. In our separate times of prayer, both of us felt the Lord impress on us that we were to give away our minivan that was an excellent car and in great condition. When I finally mentioned the idea to Kristin, she gushed back to me, “I have been waiting for God to show you this! I heard that a few weeks ago.” So with great unity and excitement, we gave it away…leaving us with one car, two adults, three growing kids and one remaining hectic life schedule.

You can imagine the anticipation and expectancy of the next few days and then, weeks. We looked at every opportunity and around every corner for how God was going to provide the next vehicle. Nothing happened. We got more earnest in our prayers, we got “serious” about seeking God. Nothing happened. When it got to six months, we started checking our lives for “things that would hinder the blessing.” Nothing happened. After a year, we cleaned out the garage in preparation for the new car. Nothing happened. Two years and two months later, we pulled our new vehicle into the garage. Did God provide it – yes, He did. It truly was His provision.

I have learned that God’s timing is perfect. Do I know all of it – no. Right now, I am waiting on a number of things. I am more at peace trusting in God rather than striving and pushing to make things happen. I want to hold things “palms open.” His will and not mine. Is it easy – not one bit! I struggle all the time. But this is the solution for me.

“And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:4