waiting...

What is waiting?

The internet dictionary defines waiting as:

-          to continue as one is in expectation of

-          to postpone or delay in expectation

-          to be in readiness for

There’s a big difference between ‘waiting for’ and ‘waiting on.’

 ‘Waiting for’ is like this: You are at your meeting place waiting for your friend to come as soon as possible. Constantly looking at your watch, “how long still?” playing with your mobile phone, sound-tripping with your iPod, or practically doing anything just to kill time until the awaited person/event comes.

‘Waiting On’ on the other hand is what waiters in restaurants do. Ever tried eating in a fine dining restaurant?  Waiters assist you the moment you enter the place and takes your orders, and stand in their position watching you from a distance, monitoring whether you need anything or if you’re having a great time; then every now and then refilling your beverage or pouring you champagne; then serves your dessert, always having his white towel to make sure everything’s wiped clean; then gives you your bill, and escorts you to your way out. It doesn’t end there; he’ll bid you a safe trip home. This is waiting on. ‘Waiting on’ is yourself standing where you are but patiently and faithfully looking forward to serve the host until he’s done.

The difference between waiting for and waiting on is your attitude. ‘Waiting for’ is all about you, selfishly hoping for things to happen the soonest possible time. Waiting on is also about you but taking the next steps from the promptings of the Spirit which only happens after your assigned tasks, whatever those tasks are, are done.

Waiting on teaches us to be hopeful---to push forward though nothing seems to happen the way we want it. Waiting on teaches us persistence---to go the extra mile although it is painful. Waiting on teaches us to take the next steps with courage and confidence and with peace of mind all because we know we’re pressing on towards the goal to win the prize to which God has called us.

Picture this: Waiting on is like you are the waiter and your waiting on the banquet table, with the Lord of Hosts on the main seat. You ask him, what does he want to eat? You prepare it carefully, perfectly making sure everything is in order. It might take you too long to prepare but you still serve it, with delight, expecting that’s the way he likes it done. You ask him, is there anything else he wants to be served, and he told you to prepare him another meal. And you do it again with excellence and with confidence that he will love it. And as you pour him another glass of his drink, he told you to bring the bill. And you’re surprised because he didn’t even bother getting his huge amount of change which is supposed to be your tip saying, “Well done good and faithful servant. You can be trusted with the small things, I’ll entrust you with bigger things. Come and share my happiness”---and that’s the point where your much awaited moment arrives---whether it be a good break,  a promotion, or a partner in life. All has been given because you were able to wait on him, carefully preparing his meals, perfectly serving it---the best thing is, he liked it, he’s pleased and he wants to give you more than you can ever think of just because you did your part very well. Waiting on the Lord is the surest best thing in the world for whatever you’re waiting for. Remember to do our part very well.

What do you do while you wait?

You prepare all things that need to get set (whether it be personal, financial, emotional, and yeah, spiritual) so that the entire thing would be perfect when the awaited moment comes. Opportunities come to those who prepare. If you’re not getting any opportunities, you haven’t been preparing.

Would you rather be singing Waiting in Vain (Bob Marley) or While I’m Waiting (John Waller)?

 

We’re all waiters, waiting for God’s orders.