Have you been waiting all year for that agent, that book contract, that scholarship to a writers’ conference, that sign that you are indeed on point in your writing and speaking journey?

I know it seems like forever before a break comes, and so very easy to lose heart. But imagine waiting more than 400 years for an answer to prayer!

That’s what God’s chosen people had to do – waiting in the dark, hoping for deliverance. Perhaps singing their own version of “Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee.” (Charles Wesley, 1745)

In between the Old Testament and the New Testament, the heavens seemed closed to the nation of Israel. God appeared to be silent. They thought nothing was happening. And their prayers for a Messiah appeared to be falling on deaf ears.

Yet, in reality, God was still at work bringing about the perfect political and religious setting for the appearance of His Son. “But me! I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”  Micah 7:7

God’s timing is always best. Even if it means we have to wait. We can be assured that “my God will hear me.” As the Advent Season is upon us, let us remember that this word means “a time of waiting.”

During those waiting years, the Jews had become unwilling subjects of the Roman Empire. But they wanted more than just limited freedom to worship and hope. As they read the prophecies of the Old Testament, they dreamed of the Messiah who would finally arrive and restore them as a powerful nation as in the time of King David. Surely this person would be a mighty warrior, a strong and larger-than-life hero!

No one was looking for a helpless, newborn baby. In a barn.

What are you waiting for these days?

For that feeling to go away? You know, the one that keeps reminding you that you’re not enough and never will be, the one where you are searching for something that will make everything else fall into place…but it’s just beyond reach. Sometimes I think I’m waiting to experience that Perfect Family Gathering with diverse loved ones all in agreement and full of praise for me as the matriarch (you know, when “her children rise up and call her blessed…”).

God knows.

He desires good things for us but often His timing is not in sync with ours. “We orient our lives to speed. We want faster computers, fast food, instant coffee. We want what we want now, so waiting becomes hard. Waiting in our prayer life and waiting for Christmas become disciplines we return to every December. For what do we wait? Do we wait for a baby to be born? Do we wait for peace to dwell in the whole world and in our fractured, busy lives? Do we wait for the rebirth of joy, a rekindling of hope?” (“Openings”)

Here are some steps I find helpful during those excruciating waiting times:

• Write down your prayers and concerns for this situation.
• Assure God you truly desire His will in His way.
• Intercede in prayer for others you know who are also waiting.
• Take the next step that has been made clear to you.

Why not choose to try one of these – even for your own writing and speaking career – during the upcoming days of Advent? Let us know which you’d choose in the comments below.

“Keep watch.” God will show up.

©2018 Lucinda Secrest McDowell  (adapted from Dwelling Places)

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award for Devotional), Ordinary Graces  (2018 Selah Finalist), Live These Words, and Refresh! Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing  “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”  pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/ 

Follow Lucinda on Twitter: @LucindaSMcDowel