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Kelly R Baker

Live Yielded, Thrive in Christ

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The Smart Response When There’s Delay

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Waiting on something? How about some biblical ways to take action when there’s delay? You can be productive instead of discouraged while waiting.


Are you waiting for something?

They say the anticipation leading up to an event can be more exciting than the actual event. That excitement is like the height of a mountain. And then sometimes delay spoils what you are looking forward to. And disappointment drags you down.

Maybe that’s why the dip of discouragement feels like such a low. It feels like the opposite of that mountain high.

Some people start whining to God when their desire is delayed. I never do that. (Ha!)

Being content is difficult. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he’s learned to be content no matter what situation he’s in, but that verse and I don’t seem to be getting along lately. I’m working on it.

I see others getting their chance and I want a green light, too. My heart will begin to whine, I just want—and I’ll try to stop myself right there and correct where that was going.

Complaining is a hindrance. Just ask those wilderness-wandering Israelites.

So I say be smart and keep moving forward when life impedes your goals.

How is one supposed to keep moving forward when there’s delay?

One night the Holy Spirit answered that exact question. He must know I have a thing for acronyms because here’s what I learned:

4 Biblical Ways to Be Productive While Waiting  

Worship through it.

I love the phrase “pour out your heart” from Psalm 62:8 (see below). That means you can be real with God. He knows how you’re feeling anyway. He is a safe place—a refuge, just like the verse says:

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 ESV

Put on some worship music and let your emotions splash into God’s lap. Cry it out! Crying releases what is pent up inside. Lay your disappointments at His feet in surrender. Then after you’ve poured out your heart, and you’re feeling empty, start worshipping Him because He is your king. Because you love Him. He will not leave you disappointed! He brings peace and encouragement in place of disappointment.

Ask questions.

Why is this happening to me?

Can’t I just have _____?

Why does it seem like I’m the only one who isn’t getting to ____?

I hear myself asking these “why me?” type questions, and I realize they’re not the right kind to be asking!

See, a major key to waiting is preparation. Instead, ask “What do you want me to specifically do to prepare?” Asking God for directions will channel your energy to having a proactive focus. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and more discernment. You need wisdom and direction in areas that will help you to prepare for whatever you’re waiting for.

Asking God for directions will channel your energy to having a proactive focus. Click to Tweet

Invest your time in preparation.

One of God’s promises is found in Matthew 7:7 (ESV), “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God doesn’t leave us wondering; when we spend time seeking Him, He gives directions. Even if it’s one detail at a time, He comes through on His promise. Now do what He lays on your heart both practically and spiritually.

Think of Noah’s call to build the ark. God gave him many directions about how to build the ark, about the animals, and about food for the people and animals. It took many years putting everything into place. Embrace the vicissitudes of the season. The time isn’t wasted. You are simply preparing for what’s ahead.

Trust God.

I know this is easier said than done so I give you permission to talk to yourself. Yep! Tell yourself you trust God. Out loud. Go ahead, say it. It makes a difference.

You are telling your heart what is true, and you are also letting God be in charge. There is power in words.

Pray some verses that remind you to trust Him. It makes the trusting easier. You can trust Him because He’s holding your life in His hands. “The course of my life is in Your power.” Psalm 31:15a HCSB That’s good to know!


RELATED: The Holy Spirit Uses the Dictionary: 10 Verses on Patience


Wait Can Spell Action

Delay is like the narrow neck of an hourglass. It’s an inevitable part of life. But there is beauty in waiting; God intends this period to be an encouragement to us. Notice the four actions above spell an acrostic for the word WAIT:

W…worship through it

A…ask questions

I…invest your time in preparation

T…trust God

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! Psalm 27:14, ESV

Delay is inevitable. Here are four practical ways to take action while waiting. Click to Tweet

How do you deal with a delay?

Pin the image above as a reminder!


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37 Comments Thriving in Christ

Comments

  1. Gretchen Fleming says

    May 19, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Great post Kelly! Loved how you were honest and practical for steps to focus on while we wait. Everyone can relate to these seasons!

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 19, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks, Gretchen! I’m often “telling on myself” but if it helps someone, it’s worth it.

      Reply
  2. Kelli LaFram says

    May 21, 2017 at 12:19 am

    I never thought of the waiting period as a time God intends for encouragement. That idea brings some instant calm delight. And it kind of makes me *want* to have to be patient. Thanks for sharing, Kelly. Every time I come to your page I read something I’m pretty sure I needed to read. 😊

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 21, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      God makes everything so good, doesn’t He? And thanks for your kind words. I’m overjoyed that it’s helpful. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sarah Koontz (@sarahekoontz) says

    May 22, 2017 at 8:28 am

    Love the advice to invest in preparation, then no season of waiting is wasted!

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 22, 2017 at 1:01 pm

      That part helps those who are “doers.” (My hand is raised). Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Liz Giertz says

    May 23, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Great tips, Kelly! I’m waiting in a couple areas of my life right now. I’m going to employ your 4 steps today!! Blessings!

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:55 am

      Good! I hope it makes it easier to endure. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rosanna@ExtraordinaryEverydayMom says

    May 23, 2017 at 7:30 am

    What a great acronym for the word WAIT. The one that stood out the most, is asking the Lord how we should prepare. That is such good truth because generally, we have to wait because we aren’t ready for that thing we’re waiting for.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Hi, Rosanna! When I first started realizing this, it was when I wanted to get married but God showed me I wasn’t ready. Well, I wanted to speed things up. So I started being more aware of my character and allowing God to work changes in me. And of course, I continued to learn more about cooking and homemaking, etc.

      Reply
  6. Michele Morin says

    May 23, 2017 at 8:06 am

    Amazing acronym and even better wisdom: as Elisabeth Elliot would have said: just keep doing the next thing!

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:58 am

      I love it when you quote her. 😉

      Reply
      • Michele Morin says

        May 23, 2017 at 1:35 pm

        I’m afraid that I’m kind of a fan-girl where she’s concerned.

        Reply
        • KellyRBaker says

          May 23, 2017 at 7:26 pm

          I can tell. 😉

          Reply
  7. Sarah Geringer says

    May 23, 2017 at 9:01 am

    Excellent post, Kelly. I like your suggestion of laying your disappointment at God’s feet and worshiping no matter what. Glad I found you today at #raralinkup.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:59 am

      Great to see you here, Sarah! The disappointment seems to be the worst for me. I hate that feeling. God is the only One who can replace that!

      Reply
  8. Crystal Twaddell says

    May 23, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Kelly, one of the best ways for me to thrive in the waiting is to invest my time. Many times I thought I was just spinning my wheels, and hindsight showed me God was using the investing in ways I could have never known. It seems waiting is a common theme for many of us these days.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 23, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      Yes, it is. I’m glad God gives us practical wisdom to apply during times of delay. Great to see you here, friend!

      Reply
  9. rjbritton says

    May 24, 2017 at 10:02 am

    So often there is so much to experience in the waiting, but it’s hard to wait. I love the idea of using it as a time to ask for wisdom.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 24, 2017 at 11:00 am

      Great to see you here again, Rachel! Yes, I guess there is a lot to experience in the waiting. As I go through the preparations I see why He is saying wait. His wisdom supersedes mine, that’s for sure!

      Reply
  10. Heather says

    May 24, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    My friend, you’ve done it again! I love love love this!! Lately I feel like my contentment needs a little working out while I wait because if I can’t be content where I am now, how will I be able to appreciate the blessing of more? And just this morning I was hit with the lack of worship and greeting God in my prayers before getting into my laundry list of wants so your post is just one more confirming witness- God’s so good like that! 🙂 Blessings on a beautiful week for you Kelly! Happy to be waiting with you for whatever comes next! ♥♥

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 25, 2017 at 1:59 pm

      Ooooh, I love confirmations! And what you said was good, “if I can’t be content where I am now, how will I be able to appreciate the blessing of more?” Thanks for being here, Heather! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says

    May 25, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Waiting is such a tough one for all of us! What a great acronym! I think my favorite point is the asking of questions – the RIGHT questions! Thanks so much, Kelly, for sharing this hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 28, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Yes, the right questions. I used to ask the “why me” kind. lol Be blessed, friend.

      Reply
  12. Carol says

    May 25, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    aaaagggghhhhhh…. I have only gotten to #1.. and, yes, that is where I am in my waiting to find another house to live in. My grumbling is better, though, because no matter what I say, I always bring it back around to God, His faithfulness, love, mercy. Ok… ready for #2… whew…. Love you Kelly .. you always tell it like it is, even when it hurts, not just me, but you too…. thanks.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 28, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Ah, yes, the search for a new home. That’s a tough one. I’m glad my posts are speaking to you. Praying for you, sweet friend, and I love you, too.

      Reply
  13. sarahgirl3 says

    May 26, 2017 at 11:00 am

    I love this because I don’t love waiting. Thank you!

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      May 28, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      You’re welcome 😉

      Reply
  14. Unmasking the Mess says

    May 28, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    Not good at waiting here either! Your tips are helpful because I tend to complain and ask lots of “Why” questions.I love the encouragement, Kelly!
    Visiting from Faith’nFriends

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      June 1, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      I guess I got behind in my comment replies, but I’m so glad you stopped by and were encouraged, Julie!

      Reply
  15. Laura Rath (@LauraJRath) says

    May 29, 2017 at 10:15 am

    I like the acrostic for Wait, and the practical steps. It helps in the waiting if I can still feel like I’m doing something. 🙂 Visiting from Faith ‘n Friends.

    Reply
    • KellyRBaker says

      June 1, 2017 at 7:23 pm

      I’m the same way, Laura. I like to be active, but it probably stems more from my impatience than anything. Sometimes, tho, the longer I get into the waiting process, the clearer His reasons become. Happy you were here!

      Reply
  16. Doyin says

    May 14, 2021 at 4:24 am

    This post has blessed me this morning. Am grateful to you for allowing God to use you ma. God bless you Kelly.

    Reply

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Welcome! I help Believers go from stagnant in their walk with God to choosing to Live Yielded. The result is Thriving in Christ. Feel free to dive into the resources here to help you go deeper in your walk with God. Meet Kelly…

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