Working in The Waiting by Jenelle Langford
I have often questioned God why I’m in the season he has me. This question usually comes to mind in the midst of waiting seasons when the day-to-day work seems mundane and boring because waiting can be tough to endure. However, on the drive to work this morning and thinking of the day ahead, the thought of waiting well came across my mind. As I tried to break this down and think over what the phrase meant, I came to realize that I had been showing up to work just to work. Now, you’re probably questioning, well it's work, so yes, you’re supposed to be working.
A few weeks back as I was listening to a podcast, the host mentioned that in any season she was in she wanted to be caught by the Lord singing, not complaining. Although I have acknowledged God’s provision in this season for my family through working this job, my mind often wanders to other places during the workday, hoping for something BIGGER, BETTER, MORE, all for the kingdom. Now although it’s a wonderful desire to want to build the kingdom and work in ministry, it can consume my mind of wishful thinking to the point that it distracts me from the work that’s right in front of me. As I turned into the parking lot, I decided to start shifting my thought process to a perspective of thankfulness and learning to wait in this current season well.
As Mary opened her home to Jesus, we find her in awestruck wonder by the Messiah, sitting at his feet. Her sister, Martha, was distracted by what was around her that she missed the one true king right in front of her.
Whatever season we may be in, I hope we find it in ourselves to sit at the Lord’s feet and seek his heart for the reason of the season. To work well with where we are and to be caught singing and not caught sitting around and distracted by what could be. I encourage you to be present and thank the Lord for where he has placed you because there truly is a purpose even if we don’t see it right away. Perhaps we may never know the reason for the season we’re walking through, and if that’s the season you’re in, keep pursuing Jesus in the midst of confusion in the unknown because surely His goodness and faithfulness will follow you all the days of your life.
Today, I pray we wait well upon You, O Lord. As we seek you in the mundane and boring, reveal to us Your plan and give us the wisdom and boldness to pursue what You have for us. Catch us singing and dancing in Your presence and open our eyes to what You are trying to teach us in this season. We thank You for the season You have placed us in. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Mary and Martha
“While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (CSB)
A native Texan, Jenelle Langford has found joy in writing from a young age. It wasn’t until she returned to college that she realized she could turn her passion into a career. Having surrendered her life to Jesus in 2014, her world turned upside down, and the journey to restoration began. After letting go of many lifelong insecurities, upsets, and disappointments, she writes to share her journey and encourage others along the way. Jenelle has had the fantastic opportunity to travel on mission trips to serve others around the world. In 2018 she married her husband and later completed her bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of North Texas. Jenelle encourages others to walk in their God-given identity and find fulfillment in the arms of Jesus.