Don't Waste Your Waiting

Hello. We are so glad that you're here Hello. We are so glad that you're here and I know you like we have probably and I know you like we have probably and I know you like we have probably been rushing around. So, please relax, been rushing around. So, please relax, been rushing around. So, please relax, take a deep breath, and um we're going take a deep breath, and um we're going take a deep breath, and um we're going to talk about how to not waste your to talk about how to not waste your to talk about how to not waste your waiting. But first, I want to thank waiting. But first, I want to thank waiting. But first, I want to thank Crossway for sponsoring this breakout. Crossway for sponsoring this breakout. Crossway for sponsoring this breakout. Crossway is a nonprofit ministry that Crossway is a nonprofit ministry that Crossway is a nonprofit ministry that publishes gospel- centered Bible-based publishes gospel- centered Bible-based publishes gospel- centered Bible-based content that seeks to honor our savior content that seeks to honor our savior content that seeks to honor our savior and serve his church. And my name is and serve his church. And my name is and serve his church. And my name is Betsy Childs Howard. I um am a mom. I'm Betsy Childs Howard. I um am a mom. I'm Betsy Childs Howard. I um am a mom. I'm an editor for the Gospel Coalition. I an editor for the Gospel Coalition. I an editor for the Gospel Coalition. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, and I've live in Birmingham, Alabama, and I've live in Birmingham, Alabama, and I've written a number of children's books, written a number of children's books, written a number of children's books, and I've also written a book called and I've also written a book called and I've also written a book called Seasons of Waiting. And I'm very happy Seasons of Waiting. And I'm very happy Seasons of Waiting. And I'm very happy to be here today with our president, to be here today with our president, to be here today with our president, Mark Vog. Mark Vog. Mark Vog. >> Thank you. Yeah, Mark Vog, uh, pastoral >> Thank you. Yeah, Mark Vog, uh, pastoral >> Thank you. Yeah, Mark Vog, uh, pastoral ministry for 30 years or so and now ministry for 30 years or so and now ministry for 30 years or so and now pleased to be the, uh, president of the pleased to be the, uh, president of the pleased to be the, uh, president of the Gospel Coalition and really excited to Gospel Coalition and really excited to Gospel Coalition and really excited to be talking about everyone's favorite be talking about everyone's favorite be talking about everyone's favorite subject, which is waiting, and uh, to do subject, which is waiting, and uh, to do subject, which is waiting, and uh, to do so with Betsy, who wrote an unbelievably so with Betsy, who wrote an unbelievably so with Betsy, who wrote an unbelievably helpful book that I was a huge fan of as helpful book that I was a huge fan of as helpful book that I was a huge fan of as I was putting together uh, my book. And I was putting together uh, my book. And I was putting together uh, my book. And so, it's fun to be able to do this so, it's fun to be able to do this so, it's fun to be able to do this together. So, we're going to have a together. So, we're going to have a together. So, we're going to have a great time. So, thank you.

great time. So, thank you. great time. So, thank you. >> Um, to start off, would you define >> Um, to start off, would you define >> Um, to start off, would you define waiting? because I like the way that you waiting? because I like the way that you waiting? because I like the way that you define it. define it. define it. >> Yeah, waiting's bad. No. Uh >> Yeah, waiting's bad. No. Uh >> Yeah, waiting's bad. No. Uh I mean it is. I mean it's hard, isn't I mean it is. I mean it's hard, isn't I mean it is. I mean it's hard, isn't it? I mean cuz you know when I when I it? I mean cuz you know when I when I it? I mean cuz you know when I when I wrote on lament uh I have to define it wrote on lament uh I have to define it wrote on lament uh I have to define it or people like why would you write on or people like why would you write on or people like why would you write on that? But since writing on waiting like that? But since writing on waiting like that? But since writing on waiting like when I tell someone I wrote a book on when I tell someone I wrote a book on when I tell someone I wrote a book on waiting they're like oh yeah like they waiting they're like oh yeah like they waiting they're like oh yeah like they intuitively know we need some help with intuitively know we need some help with intuitively know we need some help with it. So my definition is learning to live it. So my definition is learning to live it. So my definition is learning to live on what I know to be true about God when on what I know to be true about God when on what I know to be true about God when I don't know what's true about my life. I don't know what's true about my life. I don't know what's true about my life. Let's say it one more time. So learning Let's say it one more time. So learning Let's say it one more time. So learning to live on what I know to be true about to live on what I know to be true about to live on what I know to be true about God when I don't know what's true about God when I don't know what's true about God when I don't know what's true about my life. So that's my kind of way to put my life. So that's my kind of way to put my life. So that's my kind of way to put it in um you know some sort of hopefully it in um you know some sort of hopefully it in um you know some sort of hopefully moderately memorable um term. So your moderately memorable um term. So your moderately memorable um term. So your definition in seasons of waiting or how definition in seasons of waiting or how definition in seasons of waiting or how did you uh did you uh did you uh >> I don't think I even defined it but I >> I don't think I even defined it but I >> I don't think I even defined it but I like your definition because it gets at like your definition because it gets at like your definition because it gets at the hard kind of waiting cuz really not the hard kind of waiting cuz really not the hard kind of waiting cuz really not all waiting is hard right waiting for a all waiting is hard right waiting for a all waiting is hard right waiting for a baby to be born is exciting. Waiting baby to be born is exciting. Waiting baby to be born is exciting. Waiting through an engagement to be married is through an engagement to be married is through an engagement to be married is not hard. I mean it's it's anticipatory not hard. I mean it's it's anticipatory not hard. I mean it's it's anticipatory waiting but those are things that have a waiting but those are things that have a waiting but those are things that have a time you know when they're going to end.

time you know when they're going to end. time you know when they're going to end. Sure. Sure. Sure. >> So the kind of waiting that you and I >> So the kind of waiting that you and I >> So the kind of waiting that you and I are talking about usually is waiting. are talking about usually is waiting. are talking about usually is waiting. >> You don't know when it's going to end, >> You don't know when it's going to end, >> You don't know when it's going to end, even if it's going to end. even if it's going to end. even if it's going to end. >> So that's what I was writing about. And >> So that's what I was writing about. And >> So that's what I was writing about. And I think it's the undefined nature, the I think it's the undefined nature, the I think it's the undefined nature, the undefined time scale that makes it so undefined time scale that makes it so undefined time scale that makes it so hard. hard. hard. >> And then in seasons of waiting, how much >> And then in seasons of waiting, how much >> And then in seasons of waiting, how much of it was just related to your own of it was just related to your own of it was just related to your own personal uh personal journey and what personal uh personal journey and what personal uh personal journey and what you were learning experientially or was you were learning experientially or was you were learning experientially or was it more here's a theme from the Bible it more here's a theme from the Bible it more here's a theme from the Bible I'm really interested in? Tell me about I'm really interested in? Tell me about I'm really interested in? Tell me about the intermingling of personal and the intermingling of personal and the intermingling of personal and expositional. expositional. expositional. >> I got interested in waiting because I >> I got interested in waiting because I >> I got interested in waiting because I was single a lot longer than I wanted to was single a lot longer than I wanted to was single a lot longer than I wanted to be single. I really desired to be be single. I really desired to be be single. I really desired to be married, but I also I did not know if married, but I also I did not know if married, but I also I did not know if that was what God wanted for me, but I that was what God wanted for me, but I that was what God wanted for me, but I didn't feel like I could just completely didn't feel like I could just completely didn't feel like I could just completely move on from that because it was still a move on from that because it was still a move on from that because it was still a desire. So, I started really thinking desire. So, I started really thinking desire. So, I started really thinking about waiting that way. And then I about waiting that way. And then I about waiting that way. And then I started seeing waiting is all through started seeing waiting is all through started seeing waiting is all through the Bible. And it's not just through the the Bible. And it's not just through the the Bible. And it's not just through the Bible in like isolated verses. It's a Bible in like isolated verses. It's a Bible in like isolated verses. It's a theme of biblical theology. So, I tried theme of biblical theology. So, I tried theme of biblical theology. So, I tried to take several different types of to take several different types of to take several different types of waiting that we we have you I'm sure waiting that we we have you I'm sure waiting that we we have you I'm sure each of you has one of these types of each of you has one of these types of each of you has one of these types of waiting in your life right now and pull waiting in your life right now and pull waiting in your life right now and pull out the biblical thread of that and see out the biblical thread of that and see out the biblical thread of that and see what we could learn about waiting from what we could learn about waiting from what we could learn about waiting from that.

that. that. >> So, are you better at waiting today than >> So, are you better at waiting today than >> So, are you better at waiting today than you were in uh 20 was 2016? You were you were in uh 20 was 2016? You were you were in uh 20 was 2016? You were >> 2016. Um I am more experienced. I am a >> 2016. Um I am more experienced. I am a >> 2016. Um I am more experienced. I am a lot more experienced. Okay, that's not lot more experienced. Okay, that's not lot more experienced. Okay, that's not answering my question. No, answering my question. No, answering my question. No, >> I'm waiting for grand. >> I'm waiting for grand. >> I'm waiting for grand. >> I do think I mean so so so the the >> I do think I mean so so so the the >> I do think I mean so so so the the amazing thing is right about the time amazing thing is right about the time amazing thing is right about the time that I signed a book contract, God that I signed a book contract, God that I signed a book contract, God brought me a husband. So, hey, problem brought me a husband. So, hey, problem brought me a husband. So, hey, problem solved. Never have to wait again. solved. Never have to wait again. solved. Never have to wait again. >> There you go. So, there there's your >> There you go. So, there there's your >> There you go. So, there there's your there's your key. Write a book, find a there's your key. Write a book, find a there's your key. Write a book, find a husband. So, there you go. So, right. husband. So, there you go. So, right. husband. So, there you go. So, right. But the whole point of the book was But the whole point of the book was But the whole point of the book was God God won't waste your waiting because God God won't waste your waiting because God God won't waste your waiting because he wants you to learn how to wait well he wants you to learn how to wait well he wants you to learn how to wait well in whatever season you're waiting so in whatever season you're waiting so in whatever season you're waiting so that you can then wait well for the rest that you can then wait well for the rest that you can then wait well for the rest of your life. of your life. of your life. >> So it's not like oh you learn your >> So it's not like oh you learn your >> So it's not like oh you learn your lesson and move on. It's you learn how lesson and move on. It's you learn how lesson and move on. It's you learn how to wait so you can keep waiting. And to wait so you can keep waiting. And to wait so you can keep waiting. And that has definitely been true in my life that has definitely been true in my life that has definitely been true in my life because I got married to a wonderful because I got married to a wonderful because I got married to a wonderful man. Um we I was 34 when I got married. man. Um we I was 34 when I got married. man. Um we I was 34 when I got married. We wanted to have kids. We had four We wanted to have kids. We had four We wanted to have kids. We had four years of infertility, unexplained years of infertility, unexplained years of infertility, unexplained infertility. infertility. infertility. >> Um, which was hard, but it was not as >> Um, which was hard, but it was not as >> Um, which was hard, but it was not as hard as it had been if I hadn't already hard as it had been if I hadn't already hard as it had been if I hadn't already done a lot of thinking about waiting.

done a lot of thinking about waiting. done a lot of thinking about waiting. And then after we we were church And then after we we were church And then after we we were church planners in Manhattan and this sort of planners in Manhattan and this sort of planners in Manhattan and this sort of sense of waiting on a home, waiting for sense of waiting on a home, waiting for sense of waiting on a home, waiting for permanence from year to year. I didn't permanence from year to year. I didn't permanence from year to year. I didn't know if we were going to be there the know if we were going to be there the know if we were going to be there the next year. um we ended up moving and um next year. um we ended up moving and um next year. um we ended up moving and um now we're waiting. We're in a season of now we're waiting. We're in a season of now we're waiting. We're in a season of ministry transition and my husband is ministry transition and my husband is ministry transition and my husband is looking for a job and it's been like looking for a job and it's been like looking for a job and it's been like intense waiting just you know like intense waiting just you know like intense waiting just you know like everybody we know knows we're waiting. everybody we know knows we're waiting. everybody we know knows we're waiting. Um but I it hasn't gotten I don't know Um but I it hasn't gotten I don't know Um but I it hasn't gotten I don't know if I would say easier, but I feel more if I would say easier, but I feel more if I would say easier, but I feel more equipped and I I do trust that this is equipped and I I do trust that this is equipped and I I do trust that this is not going to be wasted. not going to be wasted. not going to be wasted. >> Yeah. I think in my experience, it's >> Yeah. I think in my experience, it's >> Yeah. I think in my experience, it's almost like waiting has um not as sharp almost like waiting has um not as sharp almost like waiting has um not as sharp teeth, if you will. There's still a bite teeth, if you will. There's still a bite teeth, if you will. There's still a bite to it, but it doesn't um penetrate and to it, but it doesn't um penetrate and to it, but it doesn't um penetrate and hurt as as bad. Um in my experience, I hurt as as bad. Um in my experience, I hurt as as bad. Um in my experience, I wrote Waiting Isn't a Waste. One, wrote Waiting Isn't a Waste. One, wrote Waiting Isn't a Waste. One, because I'm terrible at waiting. And I because I'm terrible at waiting. And I because I'm terrible at waiting. And I was like, well, one of the ways to get was like, well, one of the ways to get was like, well, one of the ways to get better at it is to write a book about it better at it is to write a book about it better at it is to write a book about it and try and figure out what this is. but and try and figure out what this is. but and try and figure out what this is. but also through pastoral ministries through also through pastoral ministries through also through pastoral ministries through through some some challenges uh you know through some some challenges uh you know through some some challenges uh you know through those great years of 2020 and through those great years of 2020 and through those great years of 2020 and 2021 and um you know all of those um I 2021 and um you know all of those um I 2021 and um you know all of those um I learned that um I'm not really good at learned that um I'm not really good at learned that um I'm not really good at waiting and when you're kind of in a waiting and when you're kind of in a waiting and when you're kind of in a position where the only thing that you position where the only thing that you position where the only thing that you can do is wait um that that's really can do is wait um that that's really can do is wait um that that's really uncomfortable and I found myself being uncomfortable and I found myself being uncomfortable and I found myself being more uncomfortable than than what I was more uncomfortable than than what I was more uncomfortable than than what I was comfortable with and I thought you know comfortable with and I thought you know comfortable with and I thought you know um If Isaiah 40 says that they who wait um If Isaiah 40 says that they who wait um If Isaiah 40 says that they who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.

upon the Lord will renew their strength. upon the Lord will renew their strength. They'll mount up with w with wings like They'll mount up with w with wings like They'll mount up with w with wings like eagles. They'll run and not grow weary eagles. They'll run and not grow weary eagles. They'll run and not grow weary and walk and not faint. I'd like to know and walk and not faint. I'd like to know and walk and not faint. I'd like to know what that means a little more. And so what that means a little more. And so what that means a little more. And so for for me it was a um sometimes you for for me it was a um sometimes you for for me it was a um sometimes you write a book because you're good at it write a book because you're good at it write a book because you're good at it or experience that you had a long track or experience that you had a long track or experience that you had a long track record with. In my case it was I really record with. In my case it was I really record with. In my case it was I really waste a lot of waiting and I'm kind of waste a lot of waiting and I'm kind of waste a lot of waiting and I'm kind of tired of myself with doing this and I tired of myself with doing this and I tired of myself with doing this and I think there's a better way to do it. think there's a better way to do it. think there's a better way to do it. Well, as you were writing your book and Well, as you were writing your book and Well, as you were writing your book and thinking a lot about waiting, would you thinking a lot about waiting, would you thinking a lot about waiting, would you say that waiting is a biblical subplot? say that waiting is a biblical subplot? say that waiting is a biblical subplot? Is it kind of off to the side or how Is it kind of off to the side or how Is it kind of off to the side or how does it figure into the biblical story? does it figure into the biblical story? does it figure into the biblical story? >> I mean, what are we doing right now? >> I mean, what are we doing right now? >> I mean, what are we doing right now? We're waiting for the return of Jesus. We're waiting for the return of Jesus. We're waiting for the return of Jesus. And so I I think one of the things that And so I I think one of the things that And so I I think one of the things that I discovered or maybe um understood in a I discovered or maybe um understood in a I discovered or maybe um understood in a more profound way is that the essence of more profound way is that the essence of more profound way is that the essence of what it means to be a follower of Jesus what it means to be a follower of Jesus what it means to be a follower of Jesus is to embrace a life of waiting in the is to embrace a life of waiting in the is to embrace a life of waiting in the totality of God's plan. You know, we're totality of God's plan. You know, we're totality of God's plan. You know, we're in the middle of this redemptive story, in the middle of this redemptive story, in the middle of this redemptive story, right, of creation, fall, redemption, right, of creation, fall, redemption, right, of creation, fall, redemption, restoration. And we're in the gap restoration. And we're in the gap restoration. And we're in the gap between um redemption and restoration.

between um redemption and restoration. between um redemption and restoration. And we are not just waiting for the And we are not just waiting for the And we are not just waiting for the culmination of Jesus's return, but we're culmination of Jesus's return, but we're culmination of Jesus's return, but we're also waiting in sort of a micro sort of also waiting in sort of a micro sort of also waiting in sort of a micro sort of way for all sorts of other things that way for all sorts of other things that way for all sorts of other things that are also true. And you know, I love what are also true. And you know, I love what are also true. And you know, I love what James uh says about the farmer. He James uh says about the farmer. He James uh says about the farmer. He commends waiting and he says, you know, commends waiting and he says, you know, commends waiting and he says, you know, brothers, look to the farmer who plants brothers, look to the farmer who plants brothers, look to the farmer who plants and he waits for the latter rains. And and he waits for the latter rains. And and he waits for the latter rains. And the idea is that, you know, the farmer the idea is that, you know, the farmer the idea is that, you know, the farmer plants and then he has to wait. And plants and then he has to wait. And plants and then he has to wait. And waiting is a part of what it means to be waiting is a part of what it means to be waiting is a part of what it means to be a farmer. In other words, if you don't a farmer. In other words, if you don't a farmer. In other words, if you don't like waiting, don't be a farmer because like waiting, don't be a farmer because like waiting, don't be a farmer because it's a part of the job description. And it's a part of the job description. And it's a part of the job description. And I think it's true also for what it means I think it's true also for what it means I think it's true also for what it means to be a follower of Jesus. That there's to be a follower of Jesus. That there's to be a follower of Jesus. That there's so many things in life where waiting is so many things in life where waiting is so many things in life where waiting is just a part of the dynamic. So I came to just a part of the dynamic. So I came to just a part of the dynamic. So I came to the conclusion it's actually a part uh the conclusion it's actually a part uh the conclusion it's actually a part uh central part of the story. And you know, central part of the story. And you know, central part of the story. And you know, you even think of the gospel story. You you even think of the gospel story. You you even think of the gospel story. You even think of um crucifixion, even think of um crucifixion, even think of um crucifixion, resurrection, there's a gap and you resurrection, there's a gap and you resurrection, there's a gap and you know, there's disciples who are waiting know, there's disciples who are waiting know, there's disciples who are waiting and they really don't know what's going and they really don't know what's going and they really don't know what's going to happen. And we kind of blow through to happen. And we kind of blow through to happen. And we kind of blow through the chapters and like, oh, we know what the chapters and like, oh, we know what the chapters and like, oh, we know what happens. But God could have built into happens. But God could have built into happens. But God could have built into the plan of redemption, no waiting. It the plan of redemption, no waiting. It the plan of redemption, no waiting. It could have been, you know, death of could have been, you know, death of could have been, you know, death of Jesus and, you know, fairly quick Jesus and, you know, fairly quick Jesus and, you know, fairly quick resurrection or maybe even immediate.

resurrection or maybe even immediate. resurrection or maybe even immediate. But no, the waiting is actually built But no, the waiting is actually built But no, the waiting is actually built into it. And I think God builds waiting into it. And I think God builds waiting into it. And I think God builds waiting into our lives. into our lives. into our lives. >> Well, and I was astonished when you look >> Well, and I was astonished when you look >> Well, and I was astonished when you look at the types of waiting particularly at the types of waiting particularly at the types of waiting particularly that women are doing. Some of you are that women are doing. Some of you are that women are doing. Some of you are waiting for a prodigal to come home. waiting for a prodigal to come home. waiting for a prodigal to come home. Some of you are dealing with infertility Some of you are dealing with infertility Some of you are dealing with infertility or chronic pain and you're waiting for or chronic pain and you're waiting for or chronic pain and you're waiting for healing. Some of you are waiting for a healing. Some of you are waiting for a healing. Some of you are waiting for a husband. Those are all powerful biblical husband. Those are all powerful biblical husband. Those are all powerful biblical images, you know, and it's so images, you know, and it's so images, you know, and it's so interesting that God uses real interesting that God uses real interesting that God uses real waiting in our lives to show a picture waiting in our lives to show a picture waiting in our lives to show a picture of his gospel, whether it's you waiting of his gospel, whether it's you waiting of his gospel, whether it's you waiting for your prodigal child to come home. for your prodigal child to come home. for your prodigal child to come home. Um, I love the story of Elizabeth, um, Um, I love the story of Elizabeth, um, Um, I love the story of Elizabeth, um, who was married to Zechariah, well past who was married to Zechariah, well past who was married to Zechariah, well past childbearing age. She was a picture of childbearing age. She was a picture of childbearing age. She was a picture of what the people of Israel were. Israel what the people of Israel were. Israel what the people of Israel were. Israel was a barren nation because God had was a barren nation because God had was a barren nation because God had promised to send a Messiah and he hadn't promised to send a Messiah and he hadn't promised to send a Messiah and he hadn't sent it and they'd been waiting for sent it and they'd been waiting for sent it and they'd been waiting for hundreds of years. And I love that when hundreds of years. And I love that when hundreds of years. And I love that when the angel told Zachchariah that his old the angel told Zachchariah that his old the angel told Zachchariah that his old wife was going to have a son, he was wife was going to have a son, he was wife was going to have a son, he was also announcing not only had her also announcing not only had her also announcing not only had her barrenness ended, but the barrenness of barrenness ended, but the barrenness of barrenness ended, but the barrenness of Israel had ended. And you know, we are Israel had ended. And you know, we are Israel had ended. And you know, we are not central to the biblical story in the not central to the biblical story in the not central to the biblical story in the same way that Elizabeth and John the same way that Elizabeth and John the same way that Elizabeth and John the Baptist were, but we can still live out Baptist were, but we can still live out Baptist were, but we can still live out that picture in our lives as we wait.

that picture in our lives as we wait. that picture in our lives as we wait. >> So, we look at the biblical characters >> So, we look at the biblical characters >> So, we look at the biblical characters and um we see a little bit of their and um we see a little bit of their and um we see a little bit of their struggle although we have the advantage struggle although we have the advantage struggle although we have the advantage of kind of fast forwarding through their of kind of fast forwarding through their of kind of fast forwarding through their lives, right? So, you got Abraham, lives, right? So, you got Abraham, lives, right? So, you got Abraham, Joseph, Job, Paul. I mean, basically the Joseph, Job, Paul. I mean, basically the Joseph, Job, Paul. I mean, basically the story of every person in the the Bible story of every person in the the Bible story of every person in the the Bible by and large is there's waiting baked by and large is there's waiting baked by and large is there's waiting baked into their story. So, you'd think we'd into their story. So, you'd think we'd into their story. So, you'd think we'd see that and we would be like, "Oh, see that and we would be like, "Oh, see that and we would be like, "Oh, yeah. Waiting is something we should yeah. Waiting is something we should yeah. Waiting is something we should embrace more often." Why do you think embrace more often." Why do you think embrace more often." Why do you think waiting is hard and why do we not waiting is hard and why do we not waiting is hard and why do we not embrace it? embrace it? embrace it? Unless you think waiting is easy. Unless you think waiting is easy. Unless you think waiting is easy. >> I don't think waiting is easy. >> I don't think waiting is easy. >> I don't think waiting is easy. >> Good. Cuz I don't either. >> Good. Cuz I don't either. >> Good. Cuz I don't either. >> I think we don't like to be out of >> I think we don't like to be out of >> I think we don't like to be out of control and that makes it really hard. I control and that makes it really hard. I control and that makes it really hard. I think we don't like to be hurt. So, we think we don't like to be hurt. So, we think we don't like to be hurt. So, we would rather just end like we'd rather I would rather just end like we'd rather I would rather just end like we'd rather I mean honestly that's what's desirable mean honestly that's what's desirable mean honestly that's what's desirable about Buddhism to people is it promises about Buddhism to people is it promises about Buddhism to people is it promises if you just get rid of your desires you if you just get rid of your desires you if you just get rid of your desires you won't be able to experience pain. won't be able to experience pain. won't be able to experience pain. Waiting opens you up to experience pain, Waiting opens you up to experience pain, Waiting opens you up to experience pain, especially if you don't know if you're especially if you don't know if you're especially if you don't know if you're ever going to get the thing you're ever going to get the thing you're ever going to get the thing you're waiting for.

waiting for. waiting for. >> So, I think those are just a couple of >> So, I think those are just a couple of >> So, I think those are just a couple of the reasons that it's really hard. What the reasons that it's really hard. What the reasons that it's really hard. What do you think? do you think? do you think? >> Yeah, I think control is a big one. I >> Yeah, I think control is a big one. I >> Yeah, I think control is a big one. I think another one is um and I had to think another one is um and I had to think another one is um and I had to confront this expectations confront this expectations confront this expectations >> like I have an idea of how my life is >> like I have an idea of how my life is >> like I have an idea of how my life is going to turn out and I have an idea of going to turn out and I have an idea of going to turn out and I have an idea of how long something's going to take. So how long something's going to take. So how long something's going to take. So for instance, you know, kind of real for instance, you know, kind of real for instance, you know, kind of real world stuff when I'm going to go to the world stuff when I'm going to go to the world stuff when I'm going to go to the Ind Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ind Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ind Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, why why are you laughing? why why are you laughing? why why are you laughing? Because you already have something baked Because you already have something baked Because you already have something baked into your calculus, which is I better into your calculus, which is I better into your calculus, which is I better bring a book, right? bring a book, right? bring a book, right? um because it's going to be a long a um because it's going to be a long a um because it's going to be a long a long wait. So, we have an expectation of long wait. So, we have an expectation of long wait. So, we have an expectation of how long that's going to take and how long that's going to take and how long that's going to take and sometimes my expectations are off and I sometimes my expectations are off and I sometimes my expectations are off and I think something's going to take shorter think something's going to take shorter think something's going to take shorter than what it really does and it gets than what it really does and it gets than what it really does and it gets really frustrating and those really frustrating and those really frustrating and those expectations are part of my desire to expectations are part of my desire to expectations are part of my desire to have the world like I want it. And I have the world like I want it. And I have the world like I want it. And I remember one time I was in a counseling remember one time I was in a counseling remember one time I was in a counseling session um with a therapist and he was session um with a therapist and he was session um with a therapist and he was he asked me he said Mark what what are he asked me he said Mark what what are he asked me he said Mark what what are your expectations for pastoral ministry your expectations for pastoral ministry your expectations for pastoral ministry and I said I don't I don't have any and I said I don't I don't have any and I said I don't I don't have any and he you who laughed over here who and he you who laughed over here who and he you who laughed over here who laughed right here someone laughed that laughed right here someone laughed that laughed right here someone laughed that was not very nice he laughed well the was not very nice he laughed well the was not very nice he laughed well the funny thing is is that's exactly what he funny thing is is that's exactly what he funny thing is is that's exactly what he did and it's very unprofessional to did and it's very unprofessional to did and it's very unprofessional to laugh at your counsel so and he was laugh at your counsel so and he was laugh at your counsel so and he was looking at me through the zoom and I was looking at me through the zoom and I was looking at me through the zoom and I was like look I'm not a counselor but dude I like look I'm not a counselor but dude I like look I'm not a counselor but dude I know you're not supposed to do that. And know you're not supposed to do that. And know you're not supposed to do that. And that's what I was feeling. And then my

that's what I was feeling. And then my that's what I was feeling. And then my wife who was seated next to me, she wife who was seated next to me, she wife who was seated next to me, she started laughing. And I was like, "Oh started laughing. And I was like, "Oh started laughing. And I was like, "Oh man, something's up." And then he said, man, something's up." And then he said, man, something's up." And then he said, "Seriously, Mark, you don't think you "Seriously, Mark, you don't think you "Seriously, Mark, you don't think you have any expectations?" I don't. And he have any expectations?" I don't. And he have any expectations?" I don't. And he said, "Mark, everybody has expectations. said, "Mark, everybody has expectations. said, "Mark, everybody has expectations. Could you name them?" And I was like, Could you name them?" And I was like, Could you name them?" And I was like, "Oh, uh." So I started to name them. And "Oh, uh." So I started to name them. And "Oh, uh." So I started to name them. And sure enough, guess what? Surprise, I do sure enough, guess what? Surprise, I do sure enough, guess what? Surprise, I do have expectations. So one of the things have expectations. So one of the things have expectations. So one of the things I found helpful is just to start naming I found helpful is just to start naming I found helpful is just to start naming expectations of how long I think expectations of how long I think expectations of how long I think something's going to take. and even down something's going to take. and even down something's going to take. and even down to I send this text, it should be to I send this text, it should be to I send this text, it should be sufficient as opposed or thinking no, sufficient as opposed or thinking no, sufficient as opposed or thinking no, this is probably going to be a three this is probably going to be a three this is probably going to be a three text response or a three meeting moment. text response or a three meeting moment. text response or a three meeting moment. Um or you know if you have um teenagers Um or you know if you have um teenagers Um or you know if you have um teenagers or adult children, the trajectory is or adult children, the trajectory is or adult children, the trajectory is slower than what you would want and it's slower than what you would want and it's slower than what you would want and it's scarier and you just need to think we scarier and you just need to think we scarier and you just need to think we got to release our expectations and play got to release our expectations and play got to release our expectations and play the long game. So I think part of it is the long game. So I think part of it is the long game. So I think part of it is just our we have this idea of what our just our we have this idea of what our just our we have this idea of what our world is going to going to be like. Does world is going to going to be like. Does world is going to going to be like. Does that expectation thing make sense? that expectation thing make sense? that expectation thing make sense? >> Oh, definitely. And um I think that's >> Oh, definitely. And um I think that's >> Oh, definitely. And um I think that's why many people have their world rocked why many people have their world rocked why many people have their world rocked when they have to wait for something when they have to wait for something when they have to wait for something because they have a schedule that they because they have a schedule that they because they have a schedule that they think this is going to happen at 25, think this is going to happen at 25, think this is going to happen at 25, this is going to happen at 30, this is this is going to happen at 30, this is this is going to happen at 30, this is going to happen by the time I'm 40. Um going to happen by the time I'm 40. Um going to happen by the time I'm 40. Um but you know, we we put our expectations but you know, we we put our expectations but you know, we we put our expectations on this very very brief period that we on this very very brief period that we on this very very brief period that we call life on Earth, you know, and we call life on Earth, you know, and we call life on Earth, you know, and we don't think that much about what's don't think that much about what's don't think that much about what's beyond that. And I think if we did, it beyond that. And I think if we did, it beyond that. And I think if we did, it would help us with some of those would help us with some of those would help us with some of those expectations because it's like, you expectations because it's like, you expectations because it's like, you know, if if we go to McDonald's and get

know, if if we go to McDonald's and get know, if if we go to McDonald's and get a Happy Meal and they're out of choice a Happy Meal and they're out of choice a Happy Meal and they're out of choice for my children, that would just be a for my children, that would just be a for my children, that would just be a tragedy that they would bewail. But I tragedy that they would bewail. But I tragedy that they would bewail. But I don't consider that a tragedy. You know, don't consider that a tragedy. You know, don't consider that a tragedy. You know, I think some of those expectations we I think some of those expectations we I think some of those expectations we have that don't get fulfilled are have that don't get fulfilled are have that don't get fulfilled are probably more like that in the grand probably more like that in the grand probably more like that in the grand eternal scheme. eternal scheme. eternal scheme. Is there a um a biblical character who's Is there a um a biblical character who's Is there a um a biblical character who's waiting you particularly identify with? waiting you particularly identify with? waiting you particularly identify with? You mentioned a couple already, but is You mentioned a couple already, but is You mentioned a couple already, but is there one or two you're like that's there one or two you're like that's there one or two you're like that's >> Yeah, I I am not a Hannah. I think many >> Yeah, I I am not a Hannah. I think many >> Yeah, I I am not a Hannah. I think many of you are probably Hannah's where you of you are probably Hannah's where you of you are probably Hannah's where you like go to the Lord and you know feel like go to the Lord and you know feel like go to the Lord and you know feel desperate for this thing and that sends desperate for this thing and that sends desperate for this thing and that sends you to the Lord. I feel like I'm you to the Lord. I feel like I'm you to the Lord. I feel like I'm probably more like Sarah waiting. And I probably more like Sarah waiting. And I probably more like Sarah waiting. And I see too, you know, we we were going to see too, you know, we we were going to see too, you know, we we were going to talk about what's the wrong response to talk about what's the wrong response to talk about what's the wrong response to waiting. I think Sarah shows us the two waiting. I think Sarah shows us the two waiting. I think Sarah shows us the two sinful responses to waiting. The first sinful responses to waiting. The first sinful responses to waiting. The first one is to just take control. You know, one is to just take control. You know, one is to just take control. You know, Sarah, God promises her a child, so she Sarah, God promises her a child, so she Sarah, God promises her a child, so she sends her maid servant to Abraham sends her maid servant to Abraham sends her maid servant to Abraham because she she's like, "Okay, I'm going because she she's like, "Okay, I'm going because she she's like, "Okay, I'm going to make this happen." And I see um that to make this happen." And I see um that to make this happen." And I see um that tendency to want to just take control in tendency to want to just take control in tendency to want to just take control in ways that God has not given us. I see ways that God has not given us. I see ways that God has not given us. I see that in myself. But then also I see um that in myself. But then also I see um that in myself. But then also I see um the tendency that Sarah has to kind of the tendency that Sarah has to kind of the tendency that Sarah has to kind of build up a a thick skin so that she's build up a a thick skin so that she's build up a a thick skin so that she's not hurt. When not hurt. When not hurt. When >> when God tells Abraham, you know, this >> when God tells Abraham, you know, this >> when God tells Abraham, you know, this time next year your wife will have a time next year your wife will have a time next year your wife will have a child, she laughs. You know, it's easier child, she laughs. You know, it's easier child, she laughs. You know, it's easier to laugh cuz then nobody can make you to laugh cuz then nobody can make you to laugh cuz then nobody can make you feel ashamed.

feel ashamed. feel ashamed. >> But waiting, when you wait, like I think >> But waiting, when you wait, like I think >> But waiting, when you wait, like I think the thing I most fear about waiting is the thing I most fear about waiting is the thing I most fear about waiting is that it will somehow be put to shame. that it will somehow be put to shame. that it will somehow be put to shame. >> And >> And >> And God God recognizes that. That's what God God recognizes that. That's what God God recognizes that. That's what Psalm 25 says. None who wait for you Psalm 25 says. None who wait for you Psalm 25 says. None who wait for you shall be put to shame. But I I recognize shall be put to shame. But I I recognize shall be put to shame. But I I recognize in myself those two sinful tendencies. in myself those two sinful tendencies. in myself those two sinful tendencies. But yet Sarah still got what was But yet Sarah still got what was But yet Sarah still got what was promised even though she was not very promised even though she was not very promised even though she was not very good at waiting for it. So that gives me good at waiting for it. So that gives me good at waiting for it. So that gives me a lot of hope. a lot of hope. a lot of hope. >> Do you think that there >> Do you think that there >> Do you think that there Well, let me ask you this way. When when Well, let me ask you this way. When when Well, let me ask you this way. When when we're in a position we have to wait, we're in a position we have to wait, we're in a position we have to wait, does it mean we've done something wrong? does it mean we've done something wrong? does it mean we've done something wrong? >> Absolutely not. I think you you might >> Absolutely not. I think you you might >> Absolutely not. I think you you might think that until you start reading the think that until you start reading the think that until you start reading the Bible and you see the Israelites 40 Bible and you see the Israelites 40 Bible and you see the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness. Now, they had years in the wilderness. Now, they had years in the wilderness. Now, they had done something wrong, so maybe that was done something wrong, so maybe that was done something wrong, so maybe that was the wrong answer, but Jesus spent 40 the wrong answer, but Jesus spent 40 the wrong answer, but Jesus spent 40 days in the desert and so many people days in the desert and so many people days in the desert and so many people had to wait. And God is working in us in had to wait. And God is working in us in had to wait. And God is working in us in our waiting. And our waiting. And our waiting. And >> I even with this current season in my >> I even with this current season in my >> I even with this current season in my life, I you know, sometimes I think what life, I you know, sometimes I think what life, I you know, sometimes I think what is God going to do at the end of it? and is God going to do at the end of it? and is God going to do at the end of it? and I can picture various things that would I can picture various things that would I can picture various things that would seem like make it worthwhile to me, but seem like make it worthwhile to me, but seem like make it worthwhile to me, but then I think maybe God is just making me then I think maybe God is just making me then I think maybe God is just making me who he wants me to be and there's not who he wants me to be and there's not who he wants me to be and there's not going to be something that everybody going to be something that everybody going to be something that everybody sees at the end of it. But but back to sees at the end of it. But but back to sees at the end of it. But but back to your question, no, I don't think that it your question, no, I don't think that it your question, no, I don't think that it means we've done something wrong because means we've done something wrong because means we've done something wrong because God promises waiting.

God promises waiting. God promises waiting. >> But it sure feels like it, doesn't it? >> But it sure feels like it, doesn't it? >> But it sure feels like it, doesn't it? Sometimes like it feels like I, you Sometimes like it feels like I, you Sometimes like it feels like I, you know, I've had conversations after know, I've had conversations after know, I've had conversations after writing, "Waiting isn't a waste." And writing, "Waiting isn't a waste." And writing, "Waiting isn't a waste." And folks will say, "Well, look, you know, folks will say, "Well, look, you know, folks will say, "Well, look, you know, take the singleness thing or having a take the singleness thing or having a take the singleness thing or having a child. This is a good thing. It's it's child. This is a good thing. It's it's child. This is a good thing. It's it's not that I want a bad thing. I'm not not that I want a bad thing. I'm not not that I want a bad thing. I'm not waiting for something bad. I'm waiting waiting for something bad. I'm waiting waiting for something bad. I'm waiting for something good and then God isn't for something good and then God isn't for something good and then God isn't providing it. So, it feels like I've providing it. So, it feels like I've providing it. So, it feels like I've done something wrong because something done something wrong because something done something wrong because something good has not been granted to me." So, good has not been granted to me." So, good has not been granted to me." So, how do you how do you process that? how do you how do you process that? how do you how do you process that? >> And very well-meaning people who make >> And very well-meaning people who make >> And very well-meaning people who make suggestions can also make you feel that suggestions can also make you feel that suggestions can also make you feel that way, too. whether it's, oh, you're too way, too. whether it's, oh, you're too way, too. whether it's, oh, you're too picky or you need to do these extreme picky or you need to do these extreme picky or you need to do these extreme measures. measures. measures. >> Um, but >> Um, but >> Um, but >> there are >> there are >> there are God does bless with prosperity and he God does bless with prosperity and he God does bless with prosperity and he promises us prosperity. It's just not as promises us prosperity. It's just not as promises us prosperity. It's just not as soon as we think. It's it's in the life soon as we think. It's it's in the life soon as we think. It's it's in the life to come and that's when most of his to come and that's when most of his to come and that's when most of his promises are going to come true for us. promises are going to come true for us. promises are going to come true for us. So, if we don't have the good things So, if we don't have the good things So, if we don't have the good things that he has given to many people, that that he has given to many people, that that he has given to many people, that doesn't mean we're never going to have doesn't mean we're never going to have doesn't mean we're never going to have them. Yeah.

them. Yeah. them. Yeah. >> And it it doesn't mean that marriage is >> And it it doesn't mean that marriage is >> And it it doesn't mean that marriage is not good or children are not good, but not good or children are not good, but not good or children are not good, but we're all not all meant to have them in we're all not all meant to have them in we're all not all meant to have them in this life. Just like Jesus didn't get to this life. Just like Jesus didn't get to this life. Just like Jesus didn't get to have those blessings in this life. have those blessings in this life. have those blessings in this life. >> Yeah. And you know, isn't it true also >> Yeah. And you know, isn't it true also >> Yeah. And you know, isn't it true also that I think and we could pass a that I think and we could pass a that I think and we could pass a microphone around. We could hear microphone around. We could hear microphone around. We could hear hundreds of stories of, you know, I was hundreds of stories of, you know, I was hundreds of stories of, you know, I was waiting and waiting and waiting and I waiting and waiting and waiting and I waiting and waiting and waiting and I got frustrated. And then you fast got frustrated. And then you fast got frustrated. And then you fast forward just just a matter of time until forward just just a matter of time until forward just just a matter of time until the providential hand of the Lord the providential hand of the Lord the providential hand of the Lord becomes clear. And then with some becomes clear. And then with some becomes clear. And then with some opportunities, we get to look back and opportunities, we get to look back and opportunities, we get to look back and kind of trace the hand of God and to see kind of trace the hand of God and to see kind of trace the hand of God and to see what he's up to. And you're just like, what he's up to. And you're just like, what he's up to. And you're just like, "Oh, wow. I am so grateful for um where "Oh, wow. I am so grateful for um where "Oh, wow. I am so grateful for um where he's placed us or placed me." or even if he's placed us or placed me." or even if he's placed us or placed me." or even if it's still really hard, we can see all it's still really hard, we can see all it's still really hard, we can see all of the good that the Lord intended, but of the good that the Lord intended, but of the good that the Lord intended, but in the moment as we're entering into in the moment as we're entering into in the moment as we're entering into those seasons, we just don't have those seasons, we just don't have those seasons, we just don't have visibility, you know, on that. And I visibility, you know, on that. And I visibility, you know, on that. And I think as a 55year-old, I'm better now by think as a 55year-old, I'm better now by think as a 55year-old, I'm better now by God's grace at seeing my life through a God's grace at seeing my life through a God's grace at seeing my life through a lens of there's goodness of the Lord lens of there's goodness of the Lord lens of there's goodness of the Lord here somewhere.

here somewhere. here somewhere. >> I just can't see it right now. And >> I just can't see it right now. And >> I just can't see it right now. And eventually, it's um it's going to be eventually, it's um it's going to be eventually, it's um it's going to be clear. And you don't have to say that clear. And you don't have to say that clear. And you don't have to say that your circumstances themselves are good, your circumstances themselves are good, your circumstances themselves are good, but you can believe that God is doing but you can believe that God is doing but you can believe that God is doing good through it. One one illustration good through it. One one illustration good through it. One one illustration that's really helpful to me is I know that's really helpful to me is I know that's really helpful to me is I know probably a lot of you flew here and it probably a lot of you flew here and it probably a lot of you flew here and it is so hard to be in a holding pattern is so hard to be in a holding pattern is so hard to be in a holding pattern when you're flying somewhere and you when you're flying somewhere and you when you're flying somewhere and you maybe even have reached your maybe even have reached your maybe even have reached your destination, but you can't land because destination, but you can't land because destination, but you can't land because there's not a place to land and you're there's not a place to land and you're there's not a place to land and you're just circling and you feel like you've just circling and you feel like you've just circling and you feel like you've been taken hostage in the air. But if been taken hostage in the air. But if been taken hostage in the air. But if the pilot came on the intercom and said, the pilot came on the intercom and said, the pilot came on the intercom and said, "I've heard your frustration. The flight "I've heard your frustration. The flight "I've heard your frustration. The flight attendants have told me I'm just going attendants have told me I'm just going attendants have told me I'm just going to go ahead and land the plane whether to go ahead and land the plane whether to go ahead and land the plane whether we're cleared for landing or not." we're cleared for landing or not." we're cleared for landing or not." >> You would quickly change your mind and >> You would quickly change your mind and >> You would quickly change your mind and think that was not a good pilot. You did think that was not a good pilot. You did think that was not a good pilot. You did not want him to listen to your not want him to listen to your not want him to listen to your complaints. And I think we see that in complaints. And I think we see that in complaints. And I think we see that in hindsight, too, that God's goodness, if hindsight, too, that God's goodness, if hindsight, too, that God's goodness, if he gave us what we wanted when we he gave us what we wanted when we he gave us what we wanted when we wanted, we wouldn't get all of the wanted, we wouldn't get all of the wanted, we wouldn't get all of the goodness he wants us to have. goodness he wants us to have. goodness he wants us to have. >> Yeah. So this is parallel to um what I >> Yeah. So this is parallel to um what I >> Yeah. So this is parallel to um what I talked about in my plenary session, but talked about in my plenary session, but talked about in my plenary session, but um part of the reason that I prayed on um part of the reason that I prayed on um part of the reason that I prayed on that morning, please Lord, not this is that morning, please Lord, not this is that morning, please Lord, not this is because a year earlier I was at the because a year earlier I was at the because a year earlier I was at the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors and I Bethlehem Conference for Pastors and I Bethlehem Conference for Pastors and I heard John Piper preach a message on the heard John Piper preach a message on the heard John Piper preach a message on the suffering of Adnairo Judson and he said suffering of Adnairo Judson and he said suffering of Adnairo Judson and he said in that sermon that God not only designs in that sermon that God not only designs in that sermon that God not only designs sufferings, but he specifically designs sufferings, but he specifically designs sufferings, but he specifically designs sufferings for ministers in order for

sufferings for ministers in order for sufferings for ministers in order for the purpose of the display of the the purpose of the display of the the purpose of the display of the gospel. gospel. gospel. And I spent the next year going, And I spent the next year going, And I spent the next year going, "What does that mean?" So when my wife "What does that mean?" So when my wife "What does that mean?" So when my wife tells me, um, you know, something's not tells me, um, you know, something's not tells me, um, you know, something's not right with the pregnancy, I'm going back right with the pregnancy, I'm going back right with the pregnancy, I'm going back for the last year thinking, "Oh, this is for the last year thinking, "Oh, this is for the last year thinking, "Oh, this is it. This is it." Well, fast forward 21 it. This is it." Well, fast forward 21 it. This is it." Well, fast forward 21 years, cuz now we're in the 22nd year. years, cuz now we're in the 22nd year. years, cuz now we're in the 22nd year. 21 years. No, it's this year. uh 22 21 years. No, it's this year. uh 22 21 years. No, it's this year. uh 22 years. I'm flying to Minneapolis to years. I'm flying to Minneapolis to years. I'm flying to Minneapolis to speak at the exact same conference on speak at the exact same conference on speak at the exact same conference on the subject of suffering 22 years later. the subject of suffering 22 years later. the subject of suffering 22 years later. And I told my wife after we landed, you And I told my wife after we landed, you And I told my wife after we landed, you know, there was so many seasons of know, there was so many seasons of know, there was so many seasons of waiting in that, so many seasons of of waiting in that, so many seasons of of waiting in that, so many seasons of of difficulty. And I can just trace the difficulty. And I can just trace the difficulty. And I can just trace the hand of God. I can see it so clearly. hand of God. I can see it so clearly. hand of God. I can see it so clearly. And and I'm so thankful and I'm also so And and I'm so thankful and I'm also so And and I'm so thankful and I'm also so grateful that in 2004, grateful that in 2004, grateful that in 2004, I didn't see the whole picture. I didn't see the whole picture. I didn't see the whole picture. >> Yes. I wouldn't have been able to handle >> Yes. I wouldn't have been able to handle >> Yes. I wouldn't have been able to handle the whole picture and I probably would the whole picture and I probably would the whole picture and I probably would have said no thanks. So, I'm actually have said no thanks. So, I'm actually have said no thanks. So, I'm actually thankful I didn't get a choice because I thankful I didn't get a choice because I thankful I didn't get a choice because I can trace God's hand and see his can trace God's hand and see his can trace God's hand and see his goodness and waiting is a is a is a part goodness and waiting is a is a is a part goodness and waiting is a is a is a part of that.

of that. of that. >> And I'm sure when you pray that prayer, >> And I'm sure when you pray that prayer, >> And I'm sure when you pray that prayer, a big part of that was not wanting it a big part of that was not wanting it a big part of that was not wanting it for Sarah. You know, you you had heard for Sarah. You know, you you had heard for Sarah. You know, you you had heard at the pastor's conference, God uses at the pastor's conference, God uses at the pastor's conference, God uses suffering for a minister's good. And suffering for a minister's good. And suffering for a minister's good. And sometimes we can believe that for sometimes we can believe that for sometimes we can believe that for ourselves, but we can't believe that for ourselves, but we can't believe that for ourselves, but we can't believe that for the people we love most, like our the people we love most, like our the people we love most, like our children. But we need to let God take children. But we need to let God take children. But we need to let God take his time in their lives as well. And his time in their lives as well. And his time in their lives as well. And sometimes it's harder to wait with your sometimes it's harder to wait with your sometimes it's harder to wait with your children for things than it is for children for things than it is for children for things than it is for yourself. But don't you want them to yourself. But don't you want them to yourself. But don't you want them to experience his goodness just like you experience his goodness just like you experience his goodness just like you do? do? do? >> Oh, totally. That's a really great >> Oh, totally. That's a really great >> Oh, totally. That's a really great thought. Especially if you have adult uh thought. Especially if you have adult uh thought. Especially if you have adult uh children, um you got to get good at children, um you got to get good at children, um you got to get good at waiting. Um because their your ability waiting. Um because their your ability waiting. Um because their your ability to control and manipulate their lives is to control and manipulate their lives is to control and manipulate their lives is gone. Um, and well, you can do a little gone. Um, and well, you can do a little gone. Um, and well, you can do a little bit with money and vacations and things bit with money and vacations and things bit with money and vacations and things like that, but but in general, your like that, but but in general, your like that, but but in general, your ability to to do anything to change ability to to do anything to change ability to to do anything to change their circumstances and you you you have their circumstances and you you you have their circumstances and you you you have to wait and you don't get the amount of to wait and you don't get the amount of to wait and you don't get the amount of information sometimes that you would information sometimes that you would information sometimes that you would want or, you know, you have to let them want or, you know, you have to let them want or, you know, you have to let them be adults. It's part of what God has be adults. It's part of what God has be adults. It's part of what God has designed. So, you have to get really designed. So, you have to get really designed. So, you have to get really good at waiting and not just waiting for good at waiting and not just waiting for good at waiting and not just waiting for your own, but waiting for someone else.

your own, but waiting for someone else. your own, but waiting for someone else. And I I think that's uniquely hard, And I I think that's uniquely hard, And I I think that's uniquely hard, especially if if if a a friend or a especially if if if a a friend or a especially if if if a a friend or a family member or adult children are family member or adult children are family member or adult children are waiting for something consequential, waiting for something consequential, waiting for something consequential, something important. Um it's right. It's something important. Um it's right. It's something important. Um it's right. It's it it's waiting is hard for yourself, it it's waiting is hard for yourself, it it's waiting is hard for yourself, but waiting for someone else along with but waiting for someone else along with but waiting for someone else along with somebody else is is really painful. somebody else is is really painful. somebody else is is really painful. >> So, we've said you don't necessarily get >> So, we've said you don't necessarily get >> So, we've said you don't necessarily get all the things you want in this life. all the things you want in this life. all the things you want in this life. You're not necessarily going to get the You're not necessarily going to get the You're not necessarily going to get the things that you're waiting for. But things that you're waiting for. But things that you're waiting for. But Mark, what would you say we can hope for Mark, what would you say we can hope for Mark, what would you say we can hope for as a result of our waiting? What are the as a result of our waiting? What are the as a result of our waiting? What are the things that we can bank on? things that we can bank on? things that we can bank on? >> Well, first and foremost, it's that God >> Well, first and foremost, it's that God >> Well, first and foremost, it's that God is going to provide everything we need is going to provide everything we need is going to provide everything we need in order to make it. We're never going in order to make it. We're never going in order to make it. We're never going to run out of grace that we need. Which to run out of grace that we need. Which to run out of grace that we need. Which then leads to my favorite line in your then leads to my favorite line in your then leads to my favorite line in your book. So, tell them what that line is. book. So, tell them what that line is. book. So, tell them what that line is. You get a pen, get your pens out, get You get a pen, get your pens out, get You get a pen, get your pens out, get ready. This I wish I had said this. This ready. This I wish I had said this. This ready. This I wish I had said this. This you're never going to forget what you're never going to forget what you're never going to forget what Betsyy's about to say. Okay, here we go. Betsyy's about to say. Okay, here we go. Betsyy's about to say. Okay, here we go. You ready? You ready? You ready? >> Well, you can't buy mana at Costco. They >> Well, you can't buy mana at Costco. They >> Well, you can't buy mana at Costco. They don't sell it. You can't buy it in bulk.

don't sell it. You can't buy it in bulk. don't sell it. You can't buy it in bulk. >> Just say it again. You can't buy mana in >> Just say it again. You can't buy mana in >> Just say it again. You can't buy mana in >> bulk. >> bulk. >> bulk. >> Bulk. Write that down. >> Bulk. Write that down. >> Bulk. Write that down. >> God gives you one day's worth. >> God gives you one day's worth. >> God gives you one day's worth. >> One day's worth. That's right. Now, what >> One day's worth. That's right. Now, what >> One day's worth. That's right. Now, what does that mean? I assume that we would does that mean? I assume that we would does that mean? I assume that we would all know what that means. I think that all know what that means. I think that all know what that means. I think that is so It's changed how I shop at Costco, is so It's changed how I shop at Costco, is so It's changed how I shop at Costco, by the way. Thank you very much. So, by the way. Thank you very much. So, by the way. Thank you very much. So, >> well, >> well, >> well, I was astounded. I've always known the I was astounded. I've always known the I was astounded. I've always known the story of mana in the wilderness. And it story of mana in the wilderness. And it story of mana in the wilderness. And it took the Israelites a few days to learn took the Israelites a few days to learn took the Israelites a few days to learn that they could not hoard the mana, that they could not hoard the mana, that they could not hoard the mana, right? it would grow worms and stink right? it would grow worms and stink right? it would grow worms and stink except for on the Sabbath they could except for on the Sabbath they could except for on the Sabbath they could gather enough for the Sabbath. Then they gather enough for the Sabbath. Then they gather enough for the Sabbath. Then they learned their lesson. But then they kept learned their lesson. But then they kept learned their lesson. But then they kept eating mana for 40 years which to me is eating mana for 40 years which to me is eating mana for 40 years which to me is a picture that God is not looking for a picture that God is not looking for a picture that God is not looking for you to just learn a lesson in your you to just learn a lesson in your you to just learn a lesson in your waiting and thenoo don't have to do that waiting and thenoo don't have to do that waiting and thenoo don't have to do that anymore. He is looking just as he was anymore. He is looking just as he was anymore. He is looking just as he was making Israel dependent on him for their making Israel dependent on him for their making Israel dependent on him for their daily bread. He wants us to be dependent daily bread. He wants us to be dependent daily bread. He wants us to be dependent on him for our daily grace. And if you on him for our daily grace. And if you on him for our daily grace. And if you look at your circumstance and think, I look at your circumstance and think, I look at your circumstance and think, I cannot do this for 20 years. That's cannot do this for 20 years. That's cannot do this for 20 years. That's because you don't have the grace to do because you don't have the grace to do because you don't have the grace to do it for 20 years, it for 20 years, it for 20 years, >> but I think you need to stop and ask >> but I think you need to stop and ask >> but I think you need to stop and ask yourself, do you have the grace to do yourself, do you have the grace to do yourself, do you have the grace to do this for one day? And tomorrow say, can this for one day? And tomorrow say, can this for one day? And tomorrow say, can I do this for one more day? Because that I do this for one more day? Because that I do this for one more day? Because that that is the allotment that God gives us.

that is the allotment that God gives us. that is the allotment that God gives us. And I think he does it because he wants And I think he does it because he wants And I think he does it because he wants us to keep coming to him, you know. Um us to keep coming to him, you know. Um us to keep coming to him, you know. Um he doesn't want us to store it up and he doesn't want us to store it up and he doesn't want us to store it up and not need him anymore. He wants us to be not need him anymore. He wants us to be not need him anymore. He wants us to be in relationship with him. And and so he in relationship with him. And and so he in relationship with him. And and so he offers us grace one day at a time. offers us grace one day at a time. offers us grace one day at a time. >> And think of the Lord's prayer, right? >> And think of the Lord's prayer, right? >> And think of the Lord's prayer, right? What what's in there? You know, give us What what's in there? You know, give us What what's in there? You know, give us this day our this day our this day our >> daily. >> daily. >> daily. >> Yeah. Yeah. Not weekly, not monthly, not >> Yeah. Yeah. Not weekly, not monthly, not >> Yeah. Yeah. Not weekly, not monthly, not lifetime, daily. Daily, daily, daily. A lifetime, daily. Daily, daily, daily. A lifetime, daily. Daily, daily, daily. A friend of mine says that the challenge friend of mine says that the challenge friend of mine says that the challenge with the Christian life is it's so with the Christian life is it's so with the Christian life is it's so daily, daily, daily, right? It is. You got to get up, read right? It is. You got to get up, read right? It is. You got to get up, read your Bible, be godly 24 hours, go to your Bible, be godly 24 hours, go to your Bible, be godly 24 hours, go to bed, repeat maybe 89 years in a row or bed, repeat maybe 89 years in a row or bed, repeat maybe 89 years in a row or whatever, right? Um but you you you whatever, right? Um but you you you whatever, right? Um but you you you don't get the ability to hoard grace, don't get the ability to hoard grace, don't get the ability to hoard grace, nor do you get the opportunity to take nor do you get the opportunity to take nor do you get the opportunity to take um the troubles of tomorrow and bring um the troubles of tomorrow and bring um the troubles of tomorrow and bring them in. So if you want to, you know, them in. So if you want to, you know, them in. So if you want to, you know, worry about what's going on tomorrow, worry about what's going on tomorrow, worry about what's going on tomorrow, you know, good luck with that because you know, good luck with that because you know, good luck with that because you're trying to borrow from tomorrow's you're trying to borrow from tomorrow's you're trying to borrow from tomorrow's troubles and you don't have grace for troubles and you don't have grace for troubles and you don't have grace for that. So part of the strategy for that. So part of the strategy for that. So part of the strategy for learning to wait is like, well, I'm just learning to wait is like, well, I'm just learning to wait is like, well, I'm just going to trust God for what I have going to trust God for what I have going to trust God for what I have today. Here's what I know, and here's today. Here's what I know, and here's today. Here's what I know, and here's how I'm going to follow him. And that's how I'm going to follow him. And that's how I'm going to follow him. And that's what my how my definition of waiting what my how my definition of waiting what my how my definition of waiting kind of came to be. It was me just kind of came to be. It was me just kind of came to be. It was me just thinking through I'm going to there's a thinking through I'm going to there's a thinking through I'm going to there's a lot I can't do with waiting. There's I'm lot I can't do with waiting. There's I'm lot I can't do with waiting. There's I'm I feel powerless in terms of changing my I feel powerless in terms of changing my I feel powerless in terms of changing my circumstances, but there is a ton that I circumstances, but there is a ton that I circumstances, but there is a ton that I know to be true about God. And so know to be true about God. And so know to be true about God. And so therefore, I can rehearse those things.

therefore, I can rehearse those things. therefore, I can rehearse those things. So, I had a list of I don't know 50 or So, I had a list of I don't know 50 or So, I had a list of I don't know 50 or so verses of like God is statements. The so verses of like God is statements. The so verses of like God is statements. The Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is my Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is my Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is my refuge. The Lord is my rock. You read refuge. The Lord is my rock. You read refuge. The Lord is my rock. You read the Psalms and the Psalmist doesn't just the Psalms and the Psalmist doesn't just the Psalms and the Psalmist doesn't just say it like once. He says it like four say it like once. He says it like four say it like once. He says it like four different times. You're my rock, my different times. You're my rock, my different times. You're my rock, my refuge, my strong, strong tower. You are refuge, my strong, strong tower. You are refuge, my strong, strong tower. You are my hiding place. Why does he do that? my hiding place. Why does he do that? my hiding place. Why does he do that? Cuz he's trying to be creative. Maybe. I Cuz he's trying to be creative. Maybe. I Cuz he's trying to be creative. Maybe. I think the reason he does it is because think the reason he does it is because think the reason he does it is because he's trying to hit his soul from he's trying to hit his soul from he's trying to hit his soul from multiple angles to convince himself I multiple angles to convince himself I multiple angles to convince himself I can trust the Lord like and so that that can trust the Lord like and so that that can trust the Lord like and so that that daily mana that not buying it in bulk I daily mana that not buying it in bulk I daily mana that not buying it in bulk I think is just really helpful cuz if I think is just really helpful cuz if I think is just really helpful cuz if I could buy mana in bulk you better could buy mana in bulk you better could buy mana in bulk you better believe I'd be like a prepper with mana. believe I'd be like a prepper with mana. believe I'd be like a prepper with mana. I'd be having it in my basement and like I'd be having it in my basement and like I'd be having it in my basement and like all that stuff but we don't we don't get all that stuff but we don't we don't get all that stuff but we don't we don't get that opportunity. that opportunity. that opportunity. >> It would get it would get worms and >> It would get it would get worms and >> It would get it would get worms and stink. stink. stink. >> I know it would. You're right. it'd be a >> I know it would. You're right. it'd be a >> I know it would. You're right. it'd be a biohazard. So, um, what are some of the biohazard. So, um, what are some of the biohazard. So, um, what are some of the sinful ways sinful ways sinful ways that we respond to waiting?

that we respond to waiting? that we respond to waiting? >> Well, and it, so I talked about trying >> Well, and it, so I talked about trying >> Well, and it, so I talked about trying to take control, and sometimes that's in to take control, and sometimes that's in to take control, and sometimes that's in things that aren't explicitly sinful, things that aren't explicitly sinful, things that aren't explicitly sinful, but it just might be sinful because this but it just might be sinful because this but it just might be sinful because this is something God has asked you wait for. is something God has asked you wait for. is something God has asked you wait for. Other times it may be like, Other times it may be like, Other times it may be like, >> um, you know, I've had friends that have >> um, you know, I've had friends that have >> um, you know, I've had friends that have been in serious relationships or married been in serious relationships or married been in serious relationships or married non-Christians because they wanted to be non-Christians because they wanted to be non-Christians because they wanted to be married. God had not brought them a married. God had not brought them a married. God had not brought them a Christian husband. So, they took control Christian husband. So, they took control Christian husband. So, they took control in that way. So, there's there's that. in that way. So, there's there's that. in that way. So, there's there's that. But also, I think one way But also, I think one way But also, I think one way that Satan can really try to get in and that Satan can really try to get in and that Satan can really try to get in and use our waiting for uh evil is to use our waiting for uh evil is to use our waiting for uh evil is to isolate us or to isolate us from the isolate us or to isolate us from the isolate us or to isolate us from the people who have what we want in the body people who have what we want in the body people who have what we want in the body of Christ. I think that um makes waiting of Christ. I think that um makes waiting of Christ. I think that um makes waiting so much harder. We think it'll be easier so much harder. We think it'll be easier so much harder. We think it'll be easier if we're not around the people who have if we're not around the people who have if we're not around the people who have what we want, but really I think we're what we want, but really I think we're what we want, but really I think we're supposed to be meeting each other's supposed to be meeting each other's supposed to be meeting each other's needs and that we should let our waiting needs and that we should let our waiting needs and that we should let our waiting push us towards each other. push us towards each other. push us towards each other. >> Yeah. So, I identify in my book three >> Yeah. So, I identify in my book three >> Yeah. So, I identify in my book three the three A's that are the ditches at the three A's that are the ditches at the three A's that are the ditches at least that are true for me. And I've had least that are true for me. And I've had least that are true for me. And I've had people give me more, but these are my people give me more, but these are my people give me more, but these are my three. Anger, anxiety, and apathy. So, three. Anger, anxiety, and apathy. So, three. Anger, anxiety, and apathy. So, anger, anxiety, and apathy. So anger, anger, anxiety, and apathy. So anger, anger, anxiety, and apathy. So anger, I'm going to force change on this cuz I'm going to force change on this cuz I'm going to force change on this cuz I'm mad. Like you don't care about the I'm mad. Like you don't care about the I'm mad. Like you don't care about the consequences. I'm just going to going to consequences. I'm just going to going to consequences. I'm just going to going to take control of the situation by take control of the situation by take control of the situation by elevated emotions and sinful anger.

elevated emotions and sinful anger. elevated emotions and sinful anger. Anxiety. I'm going to think about it. Anxiety. I'm going to think about it. Anxiety. I'm going to think about it. Think about it. Think about it. Think Think about it. Think about it. Think Think about it. Think about it. Think about it. Think think think. And just about it. Think think think. And just about it. Think think think. And just going to try and research my way out of going to try and research my way out of going to try and research my way out of it. And it. And it. And >> gratefully we don't have very many tools >> gratefully we don't have very many tools >> gratefully we don't have very many tools to do research anymore in our hands. So to do research anymore in our hands. So to do research anymore in our hands. So Oh my goodness. My goodness. Um, and uh, Oh my goodness. My goodness. Um, and uh, Oh my goodness. My goodness. Um, and uh, >> you can use AI. >> you can use AI. >> you can use AI. >> Yeah, I know, right? Yeah. Anger, >> Yeah, I know, right? Yeah. Anger, >> Yeah, I know, right? Yeah. Anger, anxiety, apathy, and AI. There you go. anxiety, apathy, and AI. There you go. anxiety, apathy, and AI. There you go. So, there you go. So, it's the fourth So, there you go. So, it's the fourth So, there you go. So, it's the fourth one. So, um, and then apathy. And I I one. So, um, and then apathy. And I I one. So, um, and then apathy. And I I felt this and I'm I I imagine some of felt this and I'm I I imagine some of felt this and I'm I I imagine some of you are there. You just waited so long you are there. You just waited so long you are there. You just waited so long you're just like, I I just don't care you're just like, I I just don't care you're just like, I I just don't care anymore. And you do. You've just you're anymore. And you do. You've just you're anymore. And you do. You've just you're so tired. I get it. So sad that you just so tired. I get it. So sad that you just so tired. I get it. So sad that you just are kind of self-protecting. And so I are kind of self-protecting. And so I are kind of self-protecting. And so I think those are some of the ditches that think those are some of the ditches that think those are some of the ditches that we tend to fall into. And I found it we tend to fall into. And I found it we tend to fall into. And I found it helpful to ask people to list those helpful to ask people to list those helpful to ask people to list those three things in the order in which they three things in the order in which they three things in the order in which they appear in your life. appear in your life. appear in your life. >> So are you do you start apathetic and >> So are you do you start apathetic and >> So are you do you start apathetic and then get anxious and go to anger? Like then get anxious and go to anger? Like then get anxious and go to anger? Like what what is what's like defcon 1, two, what what is what's like defcon 1, two, what what is what's like defcon 1, two, and three for you? So I I listed them in and three for you? So I I listed them in and three for you? So I I listed them in the order that is rogopian. Anger, the order that is rogopian. Anger, the order that is rogopian. Anger, anxiety, and apathy. It makes me mad, anxiety, and apathy. It makes me mad, anxiety, and apathy. It makes me mad, then I overthink, and then I just like I then I overthink, and then I just like I then I overthink, and then I just like I don't care.

don't care. don't care. >> Go into your shell or >> Go into your shell or >> Go into your shell or >> Yeah. Yeah. Just like who who cares? And >> Yeah. Yeah. Just like who who cares? And >> Yeah. Yeah. Just like who who cares? And I do. It's a silly thing that we do when I do. It's a silly thing that we do when I do. It's a silly thing that we do when we're trying to kind of, you know, we're trying to kind of, you know, we're trying to kind of, you know, internally uh self-protect. internally uh self-protect. internally uh self-protect. >> So, when you're doing one of those >> So, when you're doing one of those >> So, when you're doing one of those things, how do you get out of that? What things, how do you get out of that? What things, how do you get out of that? What are some coping strategies to keep you are some coping strategies to keep you are some coping strategies to keep you from going to that place? from going to that place? from going to that place? >> Yeah. I think one is just knowing what >> Yeah. I think one is just knowing what >> Yeah. I think one is just knowing what our go-to is. So, that's actually been our go-to is. So, that's actually been our go-to is. So, that's actually been helpful for me to have those because helpful for me to have those because helpful for me to have those because when I'm waiting and I'm feeling the when I'm waiting and I'm feeling the when I'm waiting and I'm feeling the tension of the waiting, um I I tend to tension of the waiting, um I I tend to tension of the waiting, um I I tend to go towards, you know, anger or anxiety go towards, you know, anger or anxiety go towards, you know, anger or anxiety uh first. And so, it helps me just to uh first. And so, it helps me just to uh first. And so, it helps me just to know, oh, this is what I'm doing cuz I know, oh, this is what I'm doing cuz I know, oh, this is what I'm doing cuz I find that sometimes in our waiting, we find that sometimes in our waiting, we find that sometimes in our waiting, we just kind of lose our minds. We're just just kind of lose our minds. We're just just kind of lose our minds. We're just are so frustrated or so flustered that are so frustrated or so flustered that are so frustrated or so flustered that we just we don't even think about what we just we don't even think about what we just we don't even think about what we're thinking about. And you know, one we're thinking about. And you know, one we're thinking about. And you know, one of the interesting things about the one of the interesting things about the one of the interesting things about the one of the Hebrew words for weight is the of the Hebrew words for weight is the of the Hebrew words for weight is the word kava. And it has at its root the word kava. And it has at its root the word kava. And it has at its root the idea of a cord that's twisted. And so idea of a cord that's twisted. And so idea of a cord that's twisted. And so it's the idea that there's something it's the idea that there's something it's the idea that there's something that has tension built into it. Another that has tension built into it. Another that has tension built into it. Another interesting thing is the Hebrew word for interesting thing is the Hebrew word for interesting thing is the Hebrew word for weight is also connected to the word for weight is also connected to the word for weight is also connected to the word for hope. When I was in Israel, I was hope. When I was in Israel, I was hope. When I was in Israel, I was writing my book and I showed our tour writing my book and I showed our tour writing my book and I showed our tour guide the the word for wait. And he guide the the word for wait. And he guide the the word for wait. And he said, "Oh, yeah, hope." And I was like, said, "Oh, yeah, hope." And I was like, said, "Oh, yeah, hope." And I was like, "No, it's weight." And he said, "It's "No, it's weight." And he said, "It's "No, it's weight." And he said, "It's the same thing." And I was like like, the same thing." And I was like like, the same thing." And I was like like, "Whoa, what do you mean it's the same "Whoa, what do you mean it's the same "Whoa, what do you mean it's the same thing?" So just understanding that that thing?" So just understanding that that thing?" So just understanding that that tension and hope that's risky is a part

tension and hope that's risky is a part tension and hope that's risky is a part of what it means to wait. So when I feel of what it means to wait. So when I feel of what it means to wait. So when I feel tension, I'm like, "Oh, I'm waiting. I tension, I'm like, "Oh, I'm waiting. I tension, I'm like, "Oh, I'm waiting. I should feel tension." It's just it's should feel tension." It's just it's should feel tension." It's just it's part of the normative experience of part of the normative experience of part of the normative experience of waiting. It's God's built tension into waiting. It's God's built tension into waiting. It's God's built tension into there. So that's been helpful to not there. So that's been helpful to not there. So that's been helpful to not freak out when I feel so uncomfortable freak out when I feel so uncomfortable freak out when I feel so uncomfortable with waiting. Is that what about you? with waiting. Is that what about you? with waiting. Is that what about you? What are strategies that you use? What are strategies that you use? What are strategies that you use? >> Yeah, that's very true. And um I think >> Yeah, that's very true. And um I think >> Yeah, that's very true. And um I think that having kind of a perspective shift that having kind of a perspective shift that having kind of a perspective shift is also very helpful where so to use an is also very helpful where so to use an is also very helpful where so to use an analogy my boys are four and six and analogy my boys are four and six and analogy my boys are four and six and we're moving we've moved out of the we're moving we've moved out of the we're moving we've moved out of the toddler stage but there are some days toddler stage but there are some days toddler stage but there are some days where it feels really long when you're where it feels really long when you're where it feels really long when you're at home with young kids there's nobody at home with young kids there's nobody at home with young kids there's nobody to talk to and that's why someone has to talk to and that's why someone has to talk to and that's why someone has called parenting the longest shortest called parenting the longest shortest called parenting the longest shortest time because it feels really long time because it feels really long time because it feels really long sometimes but And when your kids grow sometimes but And when your kids grow sometimes but And when your kids grow up, it felt really short. And up, it felt really short. And up, it felt really short. And recognizing that there's that dynamic at recognizing that there's that dynamic at recognizing that there's that dynamic at work in our waiting is really helpful to work in our waiting is really helpful to work in our waiting is really helpful to me because although it feels really me because although it feels really me because although it feels really long, I know someday I will look back on long, I know someday I will look back on long, I know someday I will look back on it and realize this was the blink of an it and realize this was the blink of an it and realize this was the blink of an eye. And that helps me not um go to that eye. And that helps me not um go to that eye. And that helps me not um go to that place of anxiety, realizing someday all place of anxiety, realizing someday all place of anxiety, realizing someday all of this waiting is going to be over. And of this waiting is going to be over. And of this waiting is going to be over. And also thinking of life as like a trip also thinking of life as like a trip also thinking of life as like a trip that we're on. It's not our destination.

that we're on. It's not our destination. that we're on. It's not our destination. Our destination is the life to come with Our destination is the life to come with Our destination is the life to come with our savior. This is like a multileg our savior. This is like a multileg our savior. This is like a multileg flight which is being delayed, you know, flight which is being delayed, you know, flight which is being delayed, you know, and we're waiting and it's not really and we're waiting and it's not really and we're waiting and it's not really it's not the main event. It's grueling, it's not the main event. It's grueling, it's not the main event. It's grueling, but you know what? like it helps us get but you know what? like it helps us get but you know what? like it helps us get through it if we remember what the through it if we remember what the through it if we remember what the destination is going to be and and then destination is going to be and and then destination is going to be and and then we don't mind so much that we're having we don't mind so much that we're having we don't mind so much that we're having to lug our bags through the airport and to lug our bags through the airport and to lug our bags through the airport and then we're having to wait and sit there then we're having to wait and sit there then we're having to wait and sit there for a delay because it's going to be for a delay because it's going to be for a delay because it's going to be worth it to get where we're going. worth it to get where we're going. worth it to get where we're going. >> Yeah. So, uh how many men do we have in >> Yeah. So, uh how many men do we have in >> Yeah. So, uh how many men do we have in the room? Raise your hand. the room? Raise your hand. the room? Raise your hand. There's two there. There's two there. There's two there. Okay. Very good. We're having a little Okay. Very good. We're having a little Okay. Very good. We're having a little meeting afterwards, just so you know. meeting afterwards, just so you know. meeting afterwards, just so you know. So, it's a therapy session. Okay, there So, it's a therapy session. Okay, there So, it's a therapy session. Okay, there you go. So, um, reason I asked that, you go. So, um, reason I asked that, you go. So, um, reason I asked that, who's worst at waiting, men or women? who's worst at waiting, men or women? who's worst at waiting, men or women? >> Well, if we're going to generalize, >> Well, if we're going to generalize, >> Well, if we're going to generalize, I would say women are probably better at I would say women are probably better at I would say women are probably better at waiting, but I don't think that is a waiting, but I don't think that is a waiting, but I don't think that is a that they're naturally better.

that they're naturally better. that they're naturally better. >> Do you even have the freedom to disagree >> Do you even have the freedom to disagree >> Do you even have the freedom to disagree in this room? in this room? in this room? >> You have the free You can give your >> You have the free You can give your >> You have the free You can give your perspective after. perspective after. perspective after. >> All right. All right. It's not a safe >> All right. All right. It's not a safe >> All right. All right. It's not a safe space. space. space. >> I think it's kind of like changing >> I think it's kind of like changing >> I think it's kind of like changing diapers. Women are better at changing diapers. Women are better at changing diapers. Women are better at changing diapers because we just do it a lot. And diapers because we just do it a lot. And diapers because we just do it a lot. And I think there's a lot of circumstances I think there's a lot of circumstances I think there's a lot of circumstances that women have to wait that sometimes that women have to wait that sometimes that women have to wait that sometimes we just can't get ourselves out of. And we just can't get ourselves out of. And we just can't get ourselves out of. And I know men have to wait a lot. But I know men have to wait a lot. But I know men have to wait a lot. But sometimes it seems like there's ways sometimes it seems like there's ways sometimes it seems like there's ways that they can assert themselves and that they can assert themselves and that they can assert themselves and bypass things. But tell me from your bypass things. But tell me from your bypass things. But tell me from your perspective. perspective. perspective. >> I 100 Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I 100% >> I 100 Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I 100% >> I 100 Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I 100% agree with you that women are better at agree with you that women are better at agree with you that women are better at waiting. All right. Good night all. See waiting. All right. Good night all. See waiting. All right. Good night all. See you all later. Thanks for coming. Um I you all later. Thanks for coming. Um I you all later. Thanks for coming. Um I do and I I think just even you know in do and I I think just even you know in do and I I think just even you know in so many in so many ways um you know even so many in so many ways um you know even so many in so many ways um you know even just think of pregnancy just think of pregnancy just think of pregnancy um just I think it's hardwired into a um just I think it's hardwired into a um just I think it's hardwired into a woman to be able to think about waiting woman to be able to think about waiting woman to be able to think about waiting in a in a different category. Now, at in a in a different category. Now, at in a in a different category. Now, at the same time, um I don't think that the same time, um I don't think that the same time, um I don't think that that's true, you know, just with every that's true, you know, just with every that's true, you know, just with every single man and every single woman, but single man and every single woman, but single man and every single woman, but um I think that the Lord is um uniquely um I think that the Lord is um uniquely um I think that the Lord is um uniquely wired women um to have maybe a bias wired women um to have maybe a bias wired women um to have maybe a bias where uh waiting is um something they where uh waiting is um something they where uh waiting is um something they can embrace and see the the value of it.

can embrace and see the the value of it. can embrace and see the the value of it. And And And >> but the fact that you're all here means >> but the fact that you're all here means >> but the fact that you're all here means it's not easy. You know, you wouldn't be it's not easy. You know, you wouldn't be it's not easy. You know, you wouldn't be here if it was just um if it was like here if it was just um if it was like here if it was just um if it was like riding a bike once you learned it. You riding a bike once you learned it. You riding a bike once you learned it. You just did it. We have to learn over and just did it. We have to learn over and just did it. We have to learn over and over and over. over and over. over and over. >> So, let's talk about how we help people >> So, let's talk about how we help people >> So, let's talk about how we help people who are waiting. So, we have people who are waiting. So, we have people who are waiting. So, we have people maybe in our sphere of uh relationships maybe in our sphere of uh relationships maybe in our sphere of uh relationships and you from personal experience, you and you from personal experience, you and you from personal experience, you know, as a as a single woman and you're know, as a as a single woman and you're know, as a as a single woman and you're wanting to be married and you're wanting to be married and you're wanting to be married and you're waiting. Just give us some input on in waiting. Just give us some input on in waiting. Just give us some input on in the community of relationships. What are the community of relationships. What are the community of relationships. What are some things that were helpful and what some things that were helpful and what some things that were helpful and what are things that you could just tell us are things that you could just tell us are things that you could just tell us or help us like don't do this? or help us like don't do this? or help us like don't do this? >> Well, I I joined a small church because >> Well, I I joined a small church because >> Well, I I joined a small church because I loved that it was more I loved that it was more I loved that it was more intergenerational and I did better in intergenerational and I did better in intergenerational and I did better in singleness with a lot of married friends singleness with a lot of married friends singleness with a lot of married friends with children. You know, their lives with children. You know, their lives with children. You know, their lives were pretty different than mine, but I were pretty different than mine, but I were pretty different than mine, but I loved being able to be in their loved being able to be in their loved being able to be in their children's lives. And it helped me feel children's lives. And it helped me feel children's lives. And it helped me feel like I could have some of that. I could like I could have some of that. I could like I could have some of that. I could be a spiritual mother in ways. I could be a spiritual mother in ways. I could be a spiritual mother in ways. I could be around families and their lives were be around families and their lives were be around families and their lives were a little more stable than a lot of the a little more stable than a lot of the a little more stable than a lot of the single people who were getting married single people who were getting married single people who were getting married or moving around and stuff like that. So or moving around and stuff like that. So or moving around and stuff like that. So that was a blessing to me. And um I was that was a blessing to me. And um I was that was a blessing to me. And um I was also able to help them in various ways also able to help them in various ways also able to help them in various ways like if they wanted to go away for a like if they wanted to go away for a like if they wanted to go away for a weekend I could keep their kids. And now weekend I could keep their kids. And now weekend I could keep their kids. And now I'm the recipient of some of that with I'm the recipient of some of that with I'm the recipient of some of that with people in my life who aren't in the same people in my life who aren't in the same people in my life who aren't in the same life stage. And it's it's such a life stage. And it's it's such a life stage. And it's it's such a blessing to me. Uh I think that

blessing to me. Uh I think that blessing to me. Uh I think that it can be tricky to walk with someone it can be tricky to walk with someone it can be tricky to walk with someone who is going through a different kind of who is going through a different kind of who is going through a different kind of waiting than you are. And I think that people sometimes want to talk about it, people sometimes want to talk about it, but they don't know how. But um I think but they don't know how. But um I think but they don't know how. But um I think it is good to talk about not in a way to it is good to talk about not in a way to it is good to talk about not in a way to fix it but in a way to just let um sort fix it but in a way to just let um sort fix it but in a way to just let um sort of like a grieving person let let them of like a grieving person let let them of like a grieving person let let them talk. But um I think being with people talk. But um I think being with people talk. But um I think being with people who are different than you is very who are different than you is very who are different than you is very helpful in waiting rather than just helpful in waiting rather than just helpful in waiting rather than just clustering with people who have the same clustering with people who have the same clustering with people who have the same kind of hurts that you have. kind of hurts that you have. kind of hurts that you have. >> Yeah. It sounds to me like the community >> Yeah. It sounds to me like the community >> Yeah. It sounds to me like the community that you were in that you weren't known that you were in that you weren't known that you were in that you weren't known as the person who's the main thing about as the person who's the main thing about as the person who's the main thing about you is what's missing in your life. you is what's missing in your life. you is what's missing in your life. >> I think that was true and that was >> I think that was true and that was >> I think that was true and that was partly because I threw myself into partly because I threw myself into partly because I threw myself into things and there were a lot of needs things and there were a lot of needs things and there were a lot of needs there. So I loved being involved in the there. So I loved being involved in the there. So I loved being involved in the children's ministry or helping to lead a children's ministry or helping to lead a children's ministry or helping to lead a small group along with another family small group along with another family small group along with another family hosting it, you know. So, but I I don't hosting it, you know. So, but I I don't hosting it, you know. So, but I I don't think I could have done those things. It think I could have done those things. It think I could have done those things. It I was hungry for that community. So, I was hungry for that community. So, I was hungry for that community. So, that got me outside of myself. So, it that got me outside of myself. So, it that got me outside of myself. So, it can turn you inside looking inward, but can turn you inside looking inward, but can turn you inside looking inward, but I don't think that will be very helpful.

I don't think that will be very helpful. I don't think that will be very helpful. >> So, if you were to speak to somebody >> So, if you were to speak to somebody >> So, if you were to speak to somebody who's here, let's just say they're who's here, let's just say they're who's here, let's just say they're single or maybe they long for children. single or maybe they long for children. single or maybe they long for children. Lord hasn't blessed them. They're trying Lord hasn't blessed them. They're trying Lord hasn't blessed them. They're trying to figure out what their employment to figure out what their employment to figure out what their employment situation is. I'm just use those three. situation is. I'm just use those three. situation is. I'm just use those three. >> Um, what counsel would you give in terms >> Um, what counsel would you give in terms >> Um, what counsel would you give in terms of the people that are around them? How of the people that are around them? How of the people that are around them? How could those folks minister to that could those folks minister to that could those folks minister to that person who's wrestling with with that person who's wrestling with with that person who's wrestling with with that kind of uh scenario? kind of uh scenario? kind of uh scenario? >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, certainly it's helpful to pray for them. certainly it's helpful to pray for them. certainly it's helpful to pray for them. It's helpful to remind them of God's It's helpful to remind them of God's It's helpful to remind them of God's promises, the ones that we can just bank promises, the ones that we can just bank promises, the ones that we can just bank on. Um like Romans 8:28, it is not on. Um like Romans 8:28, it is not on. Um like Romans 8:28, it is not cliche. It's wonderful that God is cliche. It's wonderful that God is cliche. It's wonderful that God is working all things together for the good working all things together for the good working all things together for the good of those who love him, who've called him of those who love him, who've called him of those who love him, who've called him them according to his purpose. I think them according to his purpose. I think them according to his purpose. I think you can without in a way like I think you can without in a way like I think you can without in a way like I think once you let them talk about their hurt once you let them talk about their hurt once you let them talk about their hurt and their grief, you can also lovingly and their grief, you can also lovingly and their grief, you can also lovingly try to help them see all the things that try to help them see all the things that try to help them see all the things that God has blessed them with. Maybe it's God has blessed them with. Maybe it's God has blessed them with. Maybe it's the financial provision that they've had the financial provision that they've had the financial provision that they've had even though they need employment. you even though they need employment. you even though they need employment. you know, maybe it's the nieces and nephews know, maybe it's the nieces and nephews know, maybe it's the nieces and nephews and you have to know the person. You and you have to know the person. You and you have to know the person. You have to know whether they are seeking to have to know whether they are seeking to have to know whether they are seeking to be comforted or not. I think whether be comforted or not. I think whether be comforted or not. I think whether those things can be helpful, but they those things can be helpful, but they those things can be helpful, but they they can be really helpful if somebody they can be really helpful if somebody they can be really helpful if somebody helps you get your eyes off yourself.

helps you get your eyes off yourself. helps you get your eyes off yourself. But I think also they have to know that But I think also they have to know that But I think also they have to know that you have really listened and given you have really listened and given you have really listened and given weight to the the loss or the waiting weight to the the loss or the waiting weight to the the loss or the waiting that they are doing. that they are doing. that they are doing. >> Yeah, that's so good. Um, do you have a >> Yeah, that's so good. Um, do you have a >> Yeah, that's so good. Um, do you have a favorite favorite favorite Bible verse on waiting? Bible verse on waiting? Bible verse on waiting? >> I think Psalm 253, >> I think Psalm 253, >> I think Psalm 253, none who wait for those shall be put to none who wait for those shall be put to none who wait for those shall be put to shame. Um, it's just such a direct shame. Um, it's just such a direct shame. Um, it's just such a direct promise and it's it's like I cling to promise and it's it's like I cling to promise and it's it's like I cling to that without knowing what it means. Like that without knowing what it means. Like that without knowing what it means. Like I don't know how God is going to keep me I don't know how God is going to keep me I don't know how God is going to keep me from being put to shame in X situation, from being put to shame in X situation, from being put to shame in X situation, but but but I believe it, you know, I believe it by I believe it, you know, I believe it by I believe it, you know, I believe it by faith. And I also love, this isn't a faith. And I also love, this isn't a faith. And I also love, this isn't a Bible verse, but a Bible story. I love Bible verse, but a Bible story. I love Bible verse, but a Bible story. I love picturing the feeding of the 5000 where picturing the feeding of the 5000 where picturing the feeding of the 5000 where Jesus spread a table in the wilderness. Jesus spread a table in the wilderness. Jesus spread a table in the wilderness. And that helps me know that I may not And that helps me know that I may not And that helps me know that I may not know how God is going to meet my needs, know how God is going to meet my needs, know how God is going to meet my needs, >> but it doesn't mean that he can't do it. >> but it doesn't mean that he can't do it. >> but it doesn't mean that he can't do it. He can pull it out of nowhere. He can pull it out of nowhere. He can pull it out of nowhere. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What about you? >> What about you? >> What about you? >> Well, before I I want you to double down >> Well, before I I want you to double down >> Well, before I I want you to double down again on the shame thing because that again on the shame thing because that again on the shame thing because that that's a really fascinating verse. Um that's a really fascinating verse. Um that's a really fascinating verse. Um and that he doesn't put us to shame in and that he doesn't put us to shame in and that he doesn't put us to shame in our waiting. What what is the connection our waiting. What what is the connection our waiting. What what is the connection between shame and waiting? You you between shame and waiting? You you between shame and waiting? You you highlighted at the very beginning of our highlighted at the very beginning of our highlighted at the very beginning of our time, but explain a little bit further.

time, but explain a little bit further. time, but explain a little bit further. >> For me, I I'm not sure I know the >> For me, I I'm not sure I know the >> For me, I I'm not sure I know the answer, but I think in my own life, it's answer, but I think in my own life, it's answer, but I think in my own life, it's when I'm thinking about what are other when I'm thinking about what are other when I'm thinking about what are other people thinking about my situation. people thinking about my situation. people thinking about my situation. They're thinking you don't have a They're thinking you don't have a They're thinking you don't have a husband because you were too picky or husband because you were too picky or husband because you were too picky or you don't have um children because you you don't have um children because you you don't have um children because you won't adopt and you just need to adopt won't adopt and you just need to adopt won't adopt and you just need to adopt and that's what you're doing. Or uh your and that's what you're doing. Or uh your and that's what you're doing. Or uh your husband doesn't have a job because husband doesn't have a job because husband doesn't have a job because you've put too many constraints on the you've put too many constraints on the you've put too many constraints on the kind of church he's looking for, you you kind of church he's looking for, you you kind of church he's looking for, you you know, and I hear those that narrative in know, and I hear those that narrative in know, and I hear those that narrative in my mind and I'm like, if if it doesn't my mind and I'm like, if if it doesn't my mind and I'm like, if if it doesn't turn out well, they're going to be turn out well, they're going to be turn out well, they're going to be proved right. proved right. proved right. >> And then I stop and think, are we doing >> And then I stop and think, are we doing >> And then I stop and think, are we doing what we think God is God wants us to do what we think God is God wants us to do what we think God is God wants us to do right now? Are we trying to follow him right now? Are we trying to follow him right now? Are we trying to follow him the way the Israelites followed the the way the Israelites followed the the way the Israelites followed the pillar of cloud and fire? And and when I pillar of cloud and fire? And and when I pillar of cloud and fire? And and when I pray through that and say, "Yes, I think pray through that and say, "Yes, I think pray through that and say, "Yes, I think then we're not going to be put to then we're not going to be put to then we're not going to be put to shame." Even if somebody thinks we made shame." Even if somebody thinks we made shame." Even if somebody thinks we made a bad choice, before the Lord, we are a bad choice, before the Lord, we are a bad choice, before the Lord, we are not going to be put to shame because we not going to be put to shame because we not going to be put to shame because we are trying to wait for his promises to are trying to wait for his promises to are trying to wait for his promises to be true in our lives. be true in our lives. be true in our lives. >> Yeah, that's so good. I think that >> Yeah, that's so good. I think that >> Yeah, that's so good. I think that concept of will not be put to shame is a concept of will not be put to shame is a concept of will not be put to shame is a really important one to to think about really important one to to think about really important one to to think about because there is a shame component because there is a shame component because there is a shame component connected to waiting. It's just kind of connected to waiting. It's just kind of connected to waiting. It's just kind of it's it's under the surface, so to it's it's under the surface, so to it's it's under the surface, so to speak. I didn't explore that at all. Um speak. I didn't explore that at all. Um speak. I didn't explore that at all. Um >> I didn't either. And the only the only >> I didn't either. And the only the only >> I didn't either. And the only the only re it's it's just because it's in those re it's it's just because it's in those re it's it's just because it's in those Bible verses. It's like a clue to Bible verses. It's like a clue to Bible verses. It's like a clue to something. It's like, okay, what is the something. It's like, okay, what is the something. It's like, okay, what is the relationship between shame and waiting?

relationship between shame and waiting? relationship between shame and waiting? And I haven't fully tapped tapped what And I haven't fully tapped tapped what And I haven't fully tapped tapped what it is. it is. it is. >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh, one of my favorite >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh, one of my favorite >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh, one of my favorite verses is uh Psalm 40. I waited verses is uh Psalm 40. I waited verses is uh Psalm 40. I waited patiently for the Lord, you know, and patiently for the Lord, you know, and patiently for the Lord, you know, and just just that phrase alone. But I I just just that phrase alone. But I I just just that phrase alone. But I I actually like how Eugene Peterson actually like how Eugene Peterson actually like how Eugene Peterson renders it in the message because there renders it in the message because there renders it in the message because there is no word for patient in the original is no word for patient in the original is no word for patient in the original text uh in Psalm 40. Now there is a text uh in Psalm 40. Now there is a text uh in Psalm 40. Now there is a Hebrew word that could have been used Hebrew word that could have been used Hebrew word that could have been used but what he does is he repeats the word but what he does is he repeats the word but what he does is he repeats the word for wait. So it doesn't sound exactly for wait. So it doesn't sound exactly for wait. So it doesn't sound exactly like this but it was like Iavad and like this but it was like Iavad and like this but it was like Iavad and kavad for the Lord. So Eugene Peterson kavad for the Lord. So Eugene Peterson kavad for the Lord. So Eugene Peterson renders it this way and I just love renders it this way and I just love renders it this way and I just love this. I waited and waited and waited for this. I waited and waited and waited for this. I waited and waited and waited for the Lord. And that's helpful to me the Lord. And that's helpful to me the Lord. And that's helpful to me because what is what does it mean to because what is what does it mean to because what is what does it mean to patiently wait? And for me, what does it patiently wait? And for me, what does it patiently wait? And for me, what does it mean to patiently wait? It means to I mean to patiently wait? It means to I mean to patiently wait? It means to I wait longer than what I expected instead wait longer than what I expected instead wait longer than what I expected instead of one word wait in the text, there's of one word wait in the text, there's of one word wait in the text, there's three. I waited and waited and waited three. I waited and waited and waited three. I waited and waited and waited for the Lord. So, that just gives me for the Lord. So, that just gives me for the Lord. So, that just gives me hope that when my expectations haven't hope that when my expectations haven't hope that when my expectations haven't been met or aren't going to be met, that been met or aren't going to be met, that been met or aren't going to be met, that I can trust that the Lord knows uh knows I can trust that the Lord knows uh knows I can trust that the Lord knows uh knows what he's doing in our uh waiting. And what he's doing in our uh waiting. And what he's doing in our uh waiting. And and in so doing, I've find that I'm I'm and in so doing, I've find that I'm I'm and in so doing, I've find that I'm I'm still not very good at waiting. I don't still not very good at waiting. I don't still not very good at waiting. I don't I don't know if I really want to be good I don't know if I really want to be good I don't know if I really want to be good at waiting. It's a little scary. Like, at waiting. It's a little scary. Like, at waiting. It's a little scary. Like, what are you good at? I'm good at what are you good at? I'm good at what are you good at? I'm good at waiting. That's I don't know. I I mean, waiting. That's I don't know. I I mean, waiting. That's I don't know. I I mean, so uh but I don't waste it as much and so uh but I don't waste it as much and so uh but I don't waste it as much and I'm I'm I'm thankful for that. So, I'm I'm I'm thankful for that. So, I'm I'm I'm thankful for that. So, that's been a um been a good journey and

that's been a um been a good journey and that's been a um been a good journey and it's fun to see the seasons of waiting it's fun to see the seasons of waiting it's fun to see the seasons of waiting that God brings us through and all that that God brings us through and all that that God brings us through and all that we've uh all that we've learned, isn't we've uh all that we've learned, isn't we've uh all that we've learned, isn't it? it? it? >> Do you have any interest in writing a >> Do you have any interest in writing a >> Do you have any interest in writing a book together on prosperity so that God book together on prosperity so that God book together on prosperity so that God can just teach us more about that? can just teach us more about that? can just teach us more about that? >> Exactly. This Oh, I see what you're >> Exactly. This Oh, I see what you're >> Exactly. This Oh, I see what you're saying. Yeah. Is this a is this a trick saying. Yeah. Is this a is this a trick saying. Yeah. Is this a is this a trick question that's being recorded and the question that's being recorded and the question that's being recorded and the whole world's going to see it? So, whole world's going to see it? So, whole world's going to see it? So, >> cuz I wrote a book on waiting and then >> cuz I wrote a book on waiting and then >> cuz I wrote a book on waiting and then Guy really let me put it into practice. Guy really let me put it into practice. Guy really let me put it into practice. >> There we go. That's awesome. That's >> There we go. That's awesome. That's >> There we go. That's awesome. That's awesome. Well, are you wrapping this up awesome. Well, are you wrapping this up awesome. Well, are you wrapping this up or why don't you close us in prayer? or why don't you close us in prayer? or why don't you close us in prayer? >> All right. Thanks so much for coming and >> All right. Thanks so much for coming and >> All right. Thanks so much for coming and hope that this uh has been helpful to hope that this uh has been helpful to hope that this uh has been helpful to all of you and hope that you are better all of you and hope that you are better all of you and hope that you are better waiters than what we are. So, we're waiters than what we are. So, we're waiters than what we are. So, we're grateful that you've uh come today. So, grateful that you've uh come today. So, grateful that you've uh come today. So, thank you. thank you. thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Let's pray together. >> Let's pray together. >> Let's pray together. God, we thank you that you're in our God, we thank you that you're in our God, we thank you that you're in our waiting that there is uh nothing that is waiting that there is uh nothing that is waiting that there is uh nothing that is delayed that isn't for our good. And delayed that isn't for our good. And delayed that isn't for our good. And that is one thing to pray. It's another that is one thing to pray. It's another that is one thing to pray. It's another to live it when you would like to be to live it when you would like to be to live it when you would like to be married when you'd like a child. When married when you'd like a child. When married when you'd like a child. When you don't know what kind of job you're you don't know what kind of job you're you don't know what kind of job you're going to have or if you'll have one or going to have or if you'll have one or going to have or if you'll have one or when your phone will ring or a text will when your phone will ring or a text will when your phone will ring or a text will come from a child who you're just really come from a child who you're just really come from a child who you're just really worried about or how you're going to worried about or how you're going to worried about or how you're going to respond with the news from the medical respond with the news from the medical respond with the news from the medical office. There are so many real scenarios office. There are so many real scenarios office. There are so many real scenarios that require an enormous outpouring of that require an enormous outpouring of that require an enormous outpouring of your grace and we're thankful that you your grace and we're thankful that you your grace and we're thankful that you have it available for us every day.

have it available for us every day. have it available for us every day. There's fresh mercy, fresh mana There's fresh mercy, fresh mana There's fresh mercy, fresh mana available to us. So would you help my available to us. So would you help my available to us. So would you help my sisters and a few brothers to know in sisters and a few brothers to know in sisters and a few brothers to know in new ways how to be able to wait upon new ways how to be able to wait upon new ways how to be able to wait upon you? And we believe that you're going to you? And we believe that you're going to you? And we believe that you're going to fulfill your word that um it's not a fulfill your word that um it's not a fulfill your word that um it's not a waste. It's good. and that um Lord, waste. It's good. and that um Lord, waste. It's good. and that um Lord, you're going to help us to rise up with you're going to help us to rise up with you're going to help us to rise up with wings like eagles. Um we believe that wings like eagles. Um we believe that wings like eagles. Um we believe that that's true because you said it. We love that's true because you said it. We love that's true because you said it. We love you, Jesus, and thankful that you help you, Jesus, and thankful that you help you, Jesus, and thankful that you help us in our seasons that look like gaps. us in our seasons that look like gaps. us in our seasons that look like gaps. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen.