Waiting For Your Next Assignment
Last week, we started our women’s Bible study at church. We took time for each lady to introduce herself and share a little about her life. Later that day, my friend noted to me how many of the women said they were in a waiting period.
Either their career had suddenly detoured, or they weren’t sure what they should do next. A chapter had ended, and a new one hadn’t yet opened up.
They were waiting for their next assignment.
I know this feeling all too well, and in recent years, I have questioned my calling. Often, we find ourselves in the waiting room of life, looking for cues as to what’s next. One season ends, and we flounder a bit, feeling unsteady and unsure of what we should be doing.
These transition times can be so disorienting.
King David knew what it meant to wait. He says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14.
He knew from experience that God worked on His own timetable, not his. After being anointed as king at age 16, David had to wait until he was 30 to become king. In the interim, King Saul chased him through the desert, threatening to kill him.
Maybe you’re not being chased by an evil king, but the delays in your life are giving you heart palpitations! Most of us are not patient waiters, which is exactly why God chooses to place us in seasons of anticipation. Looking, seeking, wondering, and wishing for more causes us to contemplate Him. It forces us to slow down while the critical spiritual work is being done on our souls.
In my season of waiting and wondering what I was supposed to do with my life, I read a great book called Right Where You Belong-How to Identify and Fully Occupy Your God-Given Space. The author, Heather MacFadyen, shares that women are often crushed by discovering their purpose and stressed over figuring out their calling.
As followers of Christ, we’ve all been given the same calling He gave His disciples to “go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19). How and where we do this looks different for everyone. The various places where we fulfill that calling are our assignments, and they will shift and change throughout a lifetime.
1 Corinthians 7:17 says, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”
We can be confident that we are right where we belong. Often, God will have us take a step back before we can move forward. I’m sure David wondered when his moment of kingship would come into play. He probably didn’t expect to be in a 14-year preparatory season, being hotly pursued by a jealous king before a crown would be placed on his head.
But in these times, God is doing a wondrous work that can not be done any other way but through waiting.
In our frustration and in our FOMO (fear of missing out), we can seek Him to change this negative, faulty way of thinking that we are behind schedule. His ways and timing are perfect, and if we are truly in the center of His perfect will, then we are never missing out!
Ahh, but there is that burning question that we often face–how do I know if I’m in God’s will?
Here are four good points to live by:
*Look for where God is at work
*Listen for His invitation
*Live in His presence each day
*Lean in and join Him
As I consider the women in my Bible study who are currently waiting for their next assignment, I am certain that the former nurse, hairdresser, bakery owner, and ministry leader are each being prepared for a glorious new season.
And you know what, friend? So are you.
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I'm so glad you're here!
There is abundant, joy-filled life available to us through Jesus! The world is dark but there is always hope in the bright light of Him. Prayer is powerful.
Love,
Kimberly
I am in your bible study. I too have just lost my job in ministry from another church. My husband is ordained and lost his position as well. The enemy was at work. But God!!! God is directing me to wait upon Him. I know He is faithful. Please pray for me and my family as we continue to seek God in His timing!
I’m so sorry Stacy. Indeed, God is at work in this situation. I will pray for His great provisions and purposes in your lives!
Timely word. Thank you for the encouragement!
Praise God, He meets us where we’re at!
Amen. I have to remind myself daily to not let the deceiver steal my ability to enjoy the Lord TODAY because I’m too focused on (worried about) tomorrow!
“His ways and timing are perfect, and if we are truly in the center of His perfect will, then we are never missing out!” Loved this! The point of living in his presence everyday is definitely one to cling to. When we abide in Him, He reveals His will to us in His perfect timing.
Yes! I was preaching to myself when I wrote those words, lol.
Amen, sister. Tomorrow has enough worries of its own. Embrace His JOY for today! Prayers going up.
Ah the seasons of life! Love this blog Kim!! I too am in a season of waiting.
Just like seasons in our yard or garden, we too experience change….. things that die back to emerge in fresh and new growth; things that require replanting when the weather is right; things that need fertilizing to produce bountiful fruit. May God and His Word be the Master Gardner in our lives.
It’s so true, Kathy! Every season, even the dormant ones, is important. Thanks for sharing your garden insight. Hope you are doing well in your new season in GA!
Thanks Kim.
You’re welcome, friend!
Hi Kimberly! It’s been a long time since we served in MOPS together – and now my last of four has moved out and on to his life. This was such a timely word for me. What an adjustment from a bustling busy life to a big quiet house. I’m definitely in the waiting period; kinda in-between assignments. Thank you for writing this encouraging message. I’m excited to see what’s next for me!
Hi Teri! I know this new season is a little sad, as your last child is now gone. But empty nesting is fun too! It might take a little time to embrace the quiet and the slower schedule, but it will be a wonderful new chapter for you and John. May the Lord lead you as you wait patiently for your next assignment!