Rejoicing in the Waiting
I deserved that promotion! I had done everything asked of me. I got the certification they requested, I’ve been with the company for two years, and I just graduated law school. Yet, the answer remains “not yet.” I deserve more – more money, more recognition, and more respect.
My coworkers agree with me. I know my boss sees my hard work. So why “not yet?” Through my hurt feelings, I feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart. It’s so easy to get caught up in this world, to live and work for worldly things. You see, the real root of my desire for this promotion is more money for my family, which would ultimately lead to me spending more money on earthly things. The real issue lies in what I’m working for, which is this world and what it deems valuable. Self-recognition, more money, and a higher status.
I am in the trap Paul warns us about in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” This warning is crucial because worldly thought patterns produce worldly desires, and holy thought patterns lead to holy desires. As Paul states in Romans 8:5, letting sin dominate our minds will ultimately control our lives and lead to death.
While I waited six months for a possible promotion, I can’t help but wonder how many months Paul waited in prison. The difference between me and Paul is that in his waiting, he rejoiced. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV). Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while in prison, and arguably had a reason to feel more deserving of his current situation. Yet, instead of self pity, he chose to rejoice. I can’t help but think of all the lives he turned to Christ simply by rejoicing in the season God had him in.
This has been my biggest struggle lately. I haven’t found a way to rejoice while I wait. The scriptures are so encouraging, but putting them into practice is challenging. On days like this, I’m reminded of what being a Christian truly means. It’s about taking up your cross daily, even when it feels impossible. My life is not my own, but Christ’s. I’m not working in this job for myself, but for Him. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV). I meditate on this scripture and pray to my Father, asking Him to transform my heart so that it becomes more aligned with the Holy Spirit and less influenced by the world.
So, whatever season of waiting you’re in, whether it’s for a promotion, a spouse, or a loved one to come to faith, try to rejoice while you wait. God has a purpose in this season of waiting for His kingdom and for you!
