Stuck in the Ditch of Waiting?
Do you ever feel like your hopes, plans, or dreams are stuck in a ditch, and you’re left waiting for days, weeks, maybe even years for a tow truck?
We may be busier than a squirrel deciding which side of the road to be on, but our plans don’t move forward. They don’t even budge.
Stuff keeps knocking us off the road of progress into a ditch.
And so, we wait. Stuck. And not happy about it.
Use These Four Sure Ways to Enjoy Waiting for God
1. Wrap Yourself in Contentment
Elisabeth Elliot said, “Suffering is having what you don’t want and wanting what you don’t have.”
Contentment eases suffering. It’s the heart at rest, enjoying peace whether or not you have what you don’t want or want what you don’t have.
It’s a warm blanket for our heart and the comfort of Christ even in situations we’d otherwise find unbearable.
The apostle Paul found contentment in prison. He’d learned the secret of wrapping himself in the truths of God that calmed his heart when his plans careened off the path.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want
[or in a ditch]. (Philippians 4:12, NIV) [brackets mine]
God sent Paul to prison to reach people who couldn’t be reached any other way.
Because Paul embraced his ditch time, God used him as part of an amazing story of earthquakes, prisoners, and a guard and his family’s salvation (Acts 16).
If Paul had grumbled and complained about the injustice of his imprisonment, he would’ve missed out being used by God in a dramatic way, which left an eternal impact.
He still would’ve sat in prison, but he would’ve languished there, not lifted praise or seen salvation come to the unlikeliest of people.
We don’t always get to know why God places us into a ditch, but we can choose to be content while we’re there by trusting in the Faithful One.
Does it rattle you that I’d blame God for placing anyone into a ditch?
If so, consider this: if someone or something can land us someplace God never intended or wanted us to be, that someone or something would be more powerful than God.
It’s not a criticism to say God would put us into a situation we don’t want because God only does what works out for the good of His children (Romans 8:28).
2. Be Teachable
Paul was a model religious leader. A hot shot Pharisee. He was in the big leagues of Judaism.
And yet, after Christ saved Paul, God sent him to Arabia for three years of spiritual training with the Lord before He released him for gospel ministry (Galatians 1:15-18).
Paul could’ve felt stuck in a ditch those three years, but his heart was teachable. He listened and learned.
When we think we know it all, pride hardens our hearts and causes us to miss out on the wonder of learning.
Arrogance often strands us in a ditch. Eventually, even our friends won’t pull us out. They’ll move on without us.
Those who are teachable wake up excited to see what they’ll learn from God that day. Even if they awaken in the same ditch day after day, they’re not diminishing. They’re growing.
Our plans may be in a ditch, but our thoughts don’t need to dwell there, too.
Sometimes God leaves us stuck because we’re not as ready for the next step as we think. He stalls us so He can finish preparing us.
Ask God what He still needs you to learn. Be humble and teachable.
I need to hear that again: Be humble and teachable.
3. Wait with Patient Expectancy
Paul and Silas wanted to preach the Word in Asia and then in Bithynia, but God stopped them. He didn’t tell them why. He simply said no.
They could’ve fought the Lord on it. Instead, they obeyed.
He sent them to Macedonia where they landed in a ditch—otherwise known as prison.
Hmmm. Did they wonder why God thought Macedonia was a better choice than Asia?
Their songs of praise, though, revealed an attitude of patient expectancy. A confidence that God wasn’t ignoring them or asleep. That God was at work in ways they couldn’t see but could trust.
While they praised, God brought life to the Jailer’s heart and salvation to him and his family (Acts 16:16-40).
Paul seemed ready to preach in Asia, but God had plans for him in Macedonia. Maybe God has prepared you for your task, but He plans to use you in a less expected place. (Hopefully not prison, but if so, you can trust Him.)
Sometimes God has us ready for our task but He’s still working on the other pieces and players. Everything is not yet in place.
When we ride in a caravan, the lead car waits to ensure the others are in line and ready to follow before they take off. If we pull out too soon, we could leave valuable players behind.
Waiting for God to line everything up drains the impatient person. But joy comes to the one who eagerly waits for God’s plans to fall into place and fit perfectly together.
Race car drivers must sit in their pit stop and watch as their opponents whiz by. If impatience overrides their wisdom, they’ll drive off before their crew has tightened the lug nuts on their tires. Without lug nuts, their race car is likely to transform into a fiery sled.
Waiting on God is always worth the wait. Patience brings expectant peace. (And sometimes safety.)
4. Fill Your Heart With Worship
When you’re weary of waiting, try worship.
In the depths of a dirty prison cell, Paul and Silas worshiped. Their hearts rose to heaven while God’s power worked through their praise.
If you’re stuck in a place you don’t want to be, remember God is with you. There’s no place you can go where His Spirit is not already there.
Let songs of praise over the Truth that God is yours and you are His fill your heart with the joy of worship while you wait.
Check out this list of 25 Praise Songs.
Joy In Christ Is Here Even if the Tow Truck Isn’t
Are your hopes, plans, or dreams stuck in a ditch?
- Wrap yourself in a warm blanket of contentment
- Get excited about (re)learning something God wants you to know
- Consider the exciting possibilities of patience and the unintended consequences of impatience
- Lift your heart by lifting a praise song to God
Waiting isn’t natural but it’s easier when we remember that the tow truck may be days away, but joy in Christ is ours right now.
I love your reference picture! The column was great!
Bahaha! I knew you’d recognize it! I had no idea when I took the picture that it would come in handy for my blog. haha!
Your blog is so great that I can’t imagine improving it. After all yours was chosen as one of the best blogs. I’d love to have half of your talent.
Jan,
Oh my! You are too kind! I’m humbled by your encouragement. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the posts. I’ll keep working hard to bring you and everyone helpful posts. Thanks, friend!