In recent weeks, several situations that have been hanging in suspended motion have reached resolution. One of these, business-related, totally halted forward motion, sidelining me in limbo-land for almost a year. Another precipitated a total standstill because I simply didn’t know how to proceed. Now, with positive answers, that came not of my own volition, I can once again move ahead.
Patience
Waiting for circumstances to resolve is hard, especially for those of us who like to “work” a list and “make” things happen. Patience is required to navigate the emotions and frustrations of situations beyond our control. Perhaps, waiting for someone else’s time frame is the hardest element of patience. We wonder why it’s taking so long and stress over the sluggish pace.
In our culture, with so much that is instant, we expect everything to happen fast. For most people, patience doesn’t come naturally and must be cultivated. Yet, patience has rewards. Those who cultivate patient waiting learn through the process. Often, saying “no” to hasty decisions, rewards us by protecting us from that which we cannot see. And waiting gives time for thoughtful introspection and re-evaluation.
When resolution comes, we can look back and exclaim, “Oh, that’s why it happened this way!”
Are You Hindering Resolution?
Sometimes, we long for a situation to resolve, but aren’t doing our part to ensure it happens. Are you wallowing in hurt, fueling resentment, or foregoing forgiveness?
Resolution regarding a long-ago hurt, whether perceived or real, or a long-standing relational rift requires forgiveness. If you want resolution, take a good look at what you need to do, instead of expecting the other person to act first.
Thanks
When circumstances reach resolution, don’t forget to express gratitude. Whether to those who worked on your behalf, prayed for you, or to God, remember, giving thanks is in order.
Sometimes, we are quick to broadcast our frustrations and adopt a woe-is-me outlook on the situation. But when dark clouds scatter and the sun breaks through the haze, don’t fail to give appropriate thanks.
Trust
Trusting God for a positive resolution to frustrating situations requires faith and patience. An even greater element of trust comes when the resolution is not what you expected. Trusting beyond an unwanted answer is evidence of spiritual growth and deep faith.
Additionally, we must trust that God is speaking to others, providing discernment and direction for decisions that are not ours to make.
Are you in a holding pattern, waiting for a situation to resolve? Stand firm. Wait patiently. Trust God.
“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead” (Hebrews 11:1 LB).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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