Faithbase

In-between: Waiting on God

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day often feels like a time of in-between, a pause between the celebration of Christ’s birth and the anticipation of the new year ahead. This period can be a reflective time, offering a unique opportunity to understand what God says about waiting and how we can find purpose and peace in these transitional moments. Biblical Insights on Waiting The Value of Patience Scripture places a high value on patience, viewing it as a virtue that develops character and deepens faith. James 1:4 encourages believers with these words: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This period of waiting can be a time to cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing. God’s Timing Is Perfect The Bible is replete with examples of God’s perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This week can be a reminder that our lives are in God’s hands, and His timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Growing in Faith Waiting periods are often times where faith can grow. Abraham and Sarah waited years for God’s promise of a child to be fulfilled, and their faith was credited to them as righteousness. In our own waiting, we can draw closer to God, deepen our reliance on Him, and grow in our faith. Spiritual disciplines for the In-Between Reflect on the Past Year Use this time to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year. Acknowledge God’s presence in all circumstances and express gratitude for His guidance and provision. Seek God’s Direction As a new year approaches, seek God’s direction for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s plans for hope and a future. Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to reveal His plans for you. Use this quieter time for rest and rejuvenation. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and be with the Father. Follow His example to recharge spiritually. Making the Most of the time In-Between Consider setting goals for the upcoming year that align with your faith and God’s purpose for your life. These might include spiritual, personal, or professional objectives. Learn to be content in the current moment, trusting in God’s provision and timing. Philippians 4:11-12 speaks about learning to be content in any situation through Christ. The in-between time from Christmas to New Year’s Day, though often overlooked, holds significant spiritual potential. It’s a period to practice patience, reflect on God’s faithfulness, prepare for the future, and find peace in God’s perfect timing. Embracing this time can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s purposes for our lives. Prayer Heavenly Father, in these in-between days, help us to find joy in waiting, strength in Your promises, and peace in Your perfect timing. Guide us as we reflect on the past and look forward to the future, always trusting in Your loving plan for our lives. Amen.