Finding Purpose in the Seasons of In-Between
Noah enrolled in college for music performance but now feels like God has something else for him to do…but isn’t sure what. Carrie dreamed of being a special needs teacher in a public school. After her sophomore year of school, she got married and started a family…which delayed her graduation date by 13 years. Abby graduated from seminary…but struggled to find a place to serve in ministry. Trevor wants to be married…but eagerly waits for God to bring the right woman into his life.
We find ourselves in seasons of waiting at every stage of our life, but our first season of waiting as an adult can be one of the hardest. It can be discouraging and frustrating to wait when we feel ready to move on to the next phase of life. Whether you have a clear vision for what’s next or are still figuring it out, the urgency can consume our focus. Maybe this fills you with anxiety as you wait. Perhaps you try to distract yourself from the waiting. Maybe you try to take matters into your own hands to get out of the waiting. Usually, in the in-between and waiting, I ask (or rather beg) God to let me out of it. I plead for God to open the next door. God can often seem silent in this season because He is not answering with the words I want to hear.
God says, “I love you, my child. You are highly valued. Be with me.” In the in-between time, we must focus on practicing our faith through spending time with God, serving in our local church, and investing in relationships in our current space.
We often focus on the following verse when we seek God for our future.
“For I know the plan I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
In the waiting, we want to focus on the future, but what does God have to say about waiting? God’s people are waiting in Jeremiah 29, and before God talks about the future, God gives these instructions to His people:
“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce… And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:5,7 (NLT)
We want the future now, and God reminds us to be present and invest in our community now. Ask God to shift your mindset in this season of waiting from what is ahead to what is right now. What would He see if God lived in your neighborhood, went to your school, attended your church, and walked in your community? Where is God at work in these spaces? Is there somewhere you can join others in serving now? How can you go deeper in relationships where you are? What is a new way you can practice listening to God?
Carrie, who is called to be a special needs teacher, found that God had more than one way to use this passion. While waiting to be a public-school teacher, she helped her church start a special needs ministry and learn to be inclusive in their children’s ministry. Waiting can be difficult and frustrating. Whether it is for a month or several years, lean into the community you’re in, and let God open doors in his timing.
Additional Reading:
Anonymous: Jesus’ hidden years...and yours by Alicia Britt Chole
Ashlyn Luttrell serves as interim pastor at Wabash North Wesleyan Church and Teams Coordinator at World Gospel Mission. College Wesleyan Church has been her home church for over 20 years. She is passionate about equipping others for discipleship to share the transformational work God has done in their lives with people in their community.
