The waiting is the hardest part

In the words of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, "The waiting is the hardest part." So true.

Stephanie Voiland reflects on always being a bridesmaid and waiting for the right man in the July/August 2008 edition of Today's Christian Woman. In the article Voiland also writes about a friend, Tiffanie, who completed graduate school but could not find a job for months:

Throughout those agonizing months, God showed up in ways more profound than a job offer. She was looking for a way to support herself; God taught her a new level of dependence on him. She was desperately waiting for a potential employer's phone call; instead, God spoke into her soul's quiet places. She was searching for a genie-god to provide instantly for her needs; God blew her away by revealing he's much better and bigger than she'd ever dreamed.

It's a good reminder that God has his own timetable. Our job is to see where God is meeting us in the waiting journey.

Take it to God

It's interesting that often the most painful situations occur in our close relationships. People are human, and people always let us down.

I know in my case I often expect only the ultimate in kindness in my close relationships -- which is very unrealistic. Too often I have hinged my self-esteem on what others think of me. This is totally wrong; my self-esteem comes from God. And I know that, but I keep falling into the traps of this world.

Jane Johnson Struck recently posted on Today's Christian Woman Editors' Blog about people hurting her in close relationships. The solution, instead of responding in anger, is to take it to God and respond in truth with love.