When Worry Makes Things Worse
When we're waiting for God, it's tempting to take matters into our own hands in the midst of frustration, anxiety and worry. But we must stay faithful — because misplaced trust will produce rash reactions rather than faithful living (Exodus 19:16-19). It's when our waiting turns to worry, and when worry then turns to mistrust (Exodus 32:2-4). When we are moving from one phase of our lives and looking forward to the next, sometimes God asks us to wait. In those moments, we form a golden calf of impatience and miss the lessons God wants us to learn in the waiting. We get so consumed by wanting to do things our way, that we cannot handle any discomfort or disruption — times of waiting should be managed, not manipulated. It makes us want to go back to what it was like before. The most dangerous idol we can create is one in which we can't distinguish what looks good to us and what looks good to God. That's why it's important to trust Him in the waiting, instead of trusting ourselves and think we know what's best for ourselves. The Bible tells us to not make permanent decisions based on temporary conditions (Proverbs 12:25; 14:30), and to focus on our faith instead of our frustrations. God always has our best interests in mind, even if it means having us go through a season we don't want to. To change our hearts and mindsets to one of trust in the midst of waiting, we should be grateful and be humble, instead of grumble (Colossians 3:15-17).
2) How am I waiting during this time?
3) Do I tend to worry more, or pray more?