Picture this: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, you’re out for a stroll in the town to the nearest coffee shop. (Or for my small-town folks with no sidewalks; you’re on vacation enjoying the city.)

Regardless of what you are doing, nothing can bring you down. You walk down the sidewalk with an extra pep in your step sharing your joy with everyone in passing.

You see the coffee shop across the street.

Walking to the crosswalk you press the button of the arrow that you desire to go. “Wait” the machine calls out, warning you that it is not your turn to cross. You wait for what seems like an eternity while the people to the side of you have already crossed twice!!

You walk once more to the crosswalk button and begin to press the arrow several times in hopes to speed the process up. “Wait, wait, wait,” the machine calls out. Frustrated, you wait a few more minutes until finally, the white walk sign gleams and you safely cross to your destination.

I don’t know about you, but I have been this person many times in my walk with Christ. I find myself being frustrated in my season of wait and comparing my walk with Christ to others around me. Looking at the opportunities that they have had and questioning God on why it’s not my turn to cross.

Thankfully, I can look to the Word for encouragement and find all of the examples of people that didn’t waste their season of wait, but instead, received what God was showing to them and grew from those moments.

Abraham waited for a son, and waited and waited some more. However, instead of losing faith and hope, the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:2-6)

Jesus even had a season of wait! He did not begin His ministry until He was an adult. He was around 30 years old when He began His ministry here on earth. Even now, He is in a season of wait to return back to earth.

I hope this serves as a reminder to you. Don’t waste your season of wait, grow in it, and allow your faith to be strengthened.

Rejoice for the purpose that God has placed on your life and don’t allow comparison to creep into your mind.

Just like you wouldn’t step out on a busy crosswalk when it’s not your turn to go, don’t miss the lessons that the Lord is trying to equip you for in your season of wait.