God Is... In the Waiting (Ready, Set, No, Not Yet)

Dear Rising College Freshman,

I was you.

I was the kid fresh out of high school that was looking forward to what was next in my life.

I'd spent the past year applying to colleges, writing essays for those applications, applying for scholarships, taking standardized tests, doing senior projects and trying my best to finish out my time in high school, well.

I'd spent 12 (well... 11) years striving for graduation, striving for my diploma, and I'd finally accomplished that goal.

I was you.

I'd been accepted into college, I knew the dorm I'd be living in, I knew who my roommates were and what color scheme I wanted for my room.

I'd already made my schedule for my Fall Semester classes and had begun collecting items to go into my dorm room.

I was you.

I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the place I was in.

I felt as if I had accomplished all that I could where I was, and that everything that could be offered to me there had already been offered.

I wanted something new, I wanted something fresh, I was ready for new friends, new experiences and new opportunities.

There was nothing left for me here, is what I kept telling myself.... but I was wrong.

Honestly? I'm still wrong.

Hey, Rising College Freshman.... I'm still you.

No, I am not necessarily anxiously awaiting the beginning of my college career, but I do still find myself growing impatient in seasons of waiting.

I find myself focusing so much on what's next for my life that I miss how God is moving, and what He is trying to teach me where I am.

There are still lessons to be learned in the waiting. There is still work to be done in the waiting.

I've found that God does his greatest works in our seasons of waiting.

It was in Sarah and Abraham's season of waiting that God gave them Isaac.

It was in Esther's season of waiting that she was prepared to marry the King. The same King that God would eventually use to save her, and her people.

It was in her waiting season when she knew who she was going to marry and was waiting for her wedding.... when she knew what was next, that God charged Mary to be the mother of Jesus.

And it was in Jesus' season of waiting for the cross, His destiny, that he performed the greatest miracles.

God is present in every moment of our lives...even the ones that feel like a complete standstill. He is present in the waiting. It is our job, however, to see where he is moving and to make ourselves available for the work that's in the waiting.

I know you're so so close to this next chapter of your life, but how the next chapter begins is contingent on how you end the one you are currently in.

So, whether you're a Rising College Freshman or you've just found yourself in a season of waiting.... Ready.... Set.... No, Not Yet.

And until He says Go, look for how He is moving in the waiting.

I promise He is there.

Nysi