Trust God In The Meantime

I was called to a speaking ministry in 2015 and after a couple of years of God-ordained waiting, I began to speak at various churches and events. Slowly but surely, I’ve seen the opportunities to speak steadily increase. And over the past several months, I began to feel a momentum build. It was clear that God was confirming His calling on my life and giving me opportunities to use the gifts He has given me. 

But over the last couple of weeks, two events that I was scheduled to speak at in the near future were canceled due to COVID-19. Another event is questionable. I know fellow speakers and writers are experiencing the same. While my first response and emotion is disappointment, I have to remember that God is in control.

God’s timing is perfect and never ceases to amaze me so it was no coincidence that while pondering the “why”, He took me to His Word to remind me of His sovereignty in my life and over my ministry. In 1 Corinthians 16, the Apostle Paul is giving final instructions to his readers. He writes that his plan is to visit them and stay awhile but only if the Lord will let him. 

7 “This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.” (NLT)

Paul was willing to follow the leading of the Spirit in all that He did. If God said “Go”, he was ready to go. But if God said “Wait”, Paul was content to stay right where he was. 

Paul goes on to say “in the meantime” he would be staying where God had placed him, in Ephesus, where there was an opportunity for great work.

9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me. (NLT)

As I pondered Paul’s words, I knew God was speaking to me about my situation. I, like Paul, am “in the meantime”. I am in a period of waiting for God to say “Go” again. Can I be like Paul and be patient in the wait? And can I, like Paul, continue to follow the Spirit’s leading and do what God has called me to do in THE place I am waiting?

God has shown me opportunities for ministry amid COVID-19. He has shown me the “great work” He is providing for me in this “right here, right now” moment. He is teaching me to “not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34) He is teaching me to look around me for opportunities He gives rather than just ahead.

Maybe God has called you to a certain ministry and you are in a time of waiting. I know it can be frustrating! I know it’s easy to grow impatient. But like Paul, we must continue to keep ourselves busy with the work God has entrusted us with at this moment in time, right where we are. 

© 2020 Robin R King