I awoke today and looked out of my bedroom window.
An involuntary smile formed on my face and my eyes widened, shocked to see snow-capped trees looking so beautiful blanketed in alabaster.
I love the snow.
Love it.
Somehow, the white stuff makes the holiday season feel more festive in my hometown. Each year, I eagerly await its arrival, hoping the flurries will fall in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning.
I got my wish this year.
If you read my blog regularly, you are already well aware of my fondness of snowfalls, so I don’t need to go into that.
My excitement was somewhat dulled, however, after I read a news report about the nasty storm that has hit the eastern region of the United States—the one responsible for the 4.5 inches dumped here at home.
The winter-like weather conditions are creating all sorts of issues for some holiday travelers.
Thousands of flights are off schedule and hundreds have been canceled due to blustery winds and snow showers. Amtrak is also reporting delays. Even drivers are being warned about slick road conditions.
I pray everyone will be safe. That’s the most important thing.
I know how inconvenient it is to set out on a journey and run into delays, setbacks and hindrances. There have been times when I sat in the airport feeling annoyed by flight cancellations and scheduling changes.
Yet, there was nothing that could be done about it.
When less than ideal circumstances disrupt plans, sometimes, you just have to wait it out.
I remember my husband Kenya was recently away on business in New York when a storm grounded his flight. No one was able to get out of the city until the following morning.
He was disappointed. He was ready to come home. But he just had to wait for safety’s sake.
Who likes setbacks?
No one does.
But still, it is better to wait for a different set of circumstances than to ignore warnings and impatiently push forward.
This is a great lesson in life that we all have to learn.
We want what we want, when we want it, don’t we? Our emotions don’t take into account whether or not we are able to handle the thing we so desperately crave. Feelings don’t consider risk factors.
It could be that we desire something that we cannot absorb financially, mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually right now. Maybe the time commitment is too great, the task is simply beyond our capacity for understanding or our skill level at the moment.
But, get this: not now doesn’t always mean not ever.
Just wait and consider why this delay could be a good thing.
You see, waiting is God’s preparation process. It ensures we are ready, mature and equipped enough to thrive in a unique and new set of circumstances.
In order to let God do His work, we have to allow patience and endurance to do its work in us as James 1:4 NIV instructs. That way, we will be “mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I know it’s not easy.
It aggravates us when our plans are upset by life’s interruptions. When our timetable, schedule and desired outcome is placed on the backburner because of circumstances beyond our control, it is jolting.
Let’s just be honest about that.
Some people sulk, fuss, cry and have a full-on meltdown.
Guess what, though? None of us has the power to change what is beyond our control. So when our tantrum is over, we find ourselves in the same place, only a little more stressed out.
Complaining, kicking, screaming and flying into fits of rage will not alter the circumstances.
Again, sometimes, you just have to wait.
Don’t get in a rush. If you haven’t taken flight yet and things have not quite taken off in your life, God knows why you are still grounded. Even though you feel ready to hit the runway and soar high into the sky, the Lord understands both the weather and whether the time is right to release you.
So trust Him, the Pilot In Command, to determine when you are ready to go to your next destination. He knows what is right for you and when the moment arrives, He’ll give you the all-clear for takeoff.
To help you, I’m stirring Isaiah 40:31 NKJV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded to wait in the meantime, so you can soar in due time.
Your set time is coming.
God knows your flight plan and He will take you exactly where you are predestined to go.
Now, let’s pray.
Thank You Lord for reminding me that this delay I am experiencing in this season of my life is only temporary, and what You have promised me will come to pass. In the meantime, help me to wait on You and remember that all things—even setbacks—work together for my good, because I love You and am called according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
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