Everyone hates the meantime, except God.

Some us are stuck in the meantime. We wonder when is our time to move forward? When is it our time to get rich? When is it our time to be famous? When is it our time to succeed? All of those questions ARE NOT selfish but they do tend to lean towards our motives. God is a God of the “meantime.” I kinda wondered where that phrase came from anyway, what does “in the meantime” mean? “Meantime” is one word. The word dates back to the early to mid-14th century and means a time between two events. It is using the mathematical definition of “mean” meaning the center or middle point. So it’s the time between significant events. I like events, I look forward to them. They mark the beginning or an end of a season sometime. BUT what about the meantime? What happens in the meantime?

The meantime is where God prepares us. God is a God of preparation. God doesn’t want us to fail. Failure happens when we can’t control certain situations or we make really bad decisions but regardless it’s not God’s “fault.” God is a good God and he doesn’t make bad things happen to us. He does allow things in our life because like a good Father He disciplines those He loves. Even that word “discipline” leans negative. Discipline doesn’t mean we get punished it means  to train and guide. At the root of discipline is “disciple” which is what God calls us to be when we follow Jesus. We go through the learning process and are empowered by being prepared in the meantime. The meantime is actually the tension we so often wrestle with when we want something to happen. If you’re like me you can hardly wait on the microwave much less the Lord! The meantime is when we are pushing for the next event but maybe God is the One with whom we are wrestling. Remember what happened to Jacob when he decided to wrestle one of God’s angels… he lost and walked with a limp the rest of his life. I’ll admit wrestling with God in the meantime is a valiant effort but it usually ends with us harming ourselves. So what do we do “in the meantime?” Well I’m in the meantime and I’m learning what to do, this is just my experience but here ya go.

1. We trust.

Trusting God is hard for people who are used to depending on themselves. I’ve been so let down by church, people, family, etc. that I’ve had to depend on myself. The old saying, “If it is to be then it’s up to me” comes to mind. Unfortunately this is how I’ve lived for a long time. But trusting God is the exact opposite of this sentiment. Why? Because He wants the glory. It’s God’s glory we take and put our grubby little fingerprints on when we make things happen. So “in the meantime” just sit and trust God.

2. We pray.

Speaking and believing and praying God’s promises over your life are a powerful daily exercise we should all employ. This isn’t so God will have pity on us and bless us. This so we get our minds right and vocalize the power and promises of God in our life!

3. We partner.

“In the meantime” we partner with God and others. If we aren’t seeing our dream to come to pass then it may be an indicator that we help someone else with theirs. In my meantime I’ve built websites and trained people in social media, this in turn has helped multiply the influence of organizations and leaders. So I am helping people! For me, my destiny has always been a partnership with God. I do my part and work hard and He does His part and brings the growth. So we should stop striving for our own selves and start partnering with others. You’ll be surprised what happens in the meantime.

So this week and in the meantime, don’t give up on God or His plan for your life, your next life-changing event is right around the corner but it’s up to you to not wrestle with God in the meantime, but instead rest and trust that He is working all things out for your good and His glory.

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Please leave your thoughts if you feel led and let’s continue the conversation! May God bless you!