Seasons of waiting
I love Autumn! The shorter days, the changing colours in my garden, the cool breeze, the amazing sunsets. But Autumn seems to get shorter every year and I know it won't be long before the cold of winter sets in.
In my garden, winter seems to be a season of quiet, a season of waiting. The colour and fun of summer is over. The plant growth slows down. There's less sunlight. Nature seems to be dormant, sleeping. All is still. You could be forgiven for thinking nothing is happening.
But of course, as any gardener will tell you, this is not the case. Under the ground, root growth is in full swing, preparing to take up water and nutrients when the time comes. Flower buds sit fully formed, ready to blossom, just waiting for the warmth. We may not see it, but nature is making preparations for brighter days, warmer weather and plentiful growth.
I can't help but see a connection between winter in my garden and seasons of waiting in my own life. Maybe you've experienced a season of waiting, maybe you're in it right now. You've cried out to God to act, to work, to fix something broken. But He seems quiet. You don't see any change in your situation. And so, you assume nothing's happening. God's not working. And you begin to lose hope.
But just as winter in the garden is a time of unseen preparation for what's ahead, maybe our waiting season is the same. We can't assume that just because we don't see God acting that He's not. That is our human logic speaking. And according to the Bible, our 'logical' thinking is incorrect.
We know from Scripture that God works and acts for those who wait on Him (Is 64:4, 2 Chron 16:9, Is 46:4). And why does God work for us? Because He loves us, He longs to show mercy to us, and to exalt Himself (Is 30:18). We can be sure that He is actively working for our good and His glory (Rom 8:28).
We may not always see it and our season of waiting may be long, but we can hold onto the promise that the Lord is good to those who wait for him (Lam 3:25). For as we wait, He draws near (Ps 145:18), renews our strength (Is 40:31) and showers us with mercy (Is 30:18).
We have a deciduous tree in our back garden, a beautiful old crepe myrtle. As the weather cools, it's dropping its leaves and even shedding its bark. Soon it will be completely bare. Quiet and still. But I know that come the warmth of spring, it will grow again. And not only grow, but by mid-summer it will be so heavy with pink flowers that the branches will bend under the weight. The birds will fly in and enjoy the nectar. The bees will be buzzing. What a wonderful reminder for me and I trust for you, that God is at work in our waiting. And that our waiting won't be for nothing.
So don't lose hope. Pray and believe that God, the Lion of Judah, is at work, fighting your battles and making preparations for future days, for better days.
"The Lord fights for you; you need only to be still." Ex 14:14
