The Poles

When I was a little girl we lived in a house that had a second story addition. The addition was supported by two thin green poles. One night I heard my father say he had gone to “the pole.” I was perplexed: why would he go to the pole? It was dark outside; what did he expect to see?

Sometimes we feel just as perplexed trying to understand Your direction.

The fault is ours. Are we not listening well? Are we missing the “pink elephant.” Have we done, or not done, something You asked? Or is it just fatigue (we don’t hear well when we’re tired).

Sometimes not hearing an answer is the answer: wait. Not a popular word, “wait.” It’s a four letter word. And while I’m well past two, there are times I am sorely pressed to wait with the patience of even a small child.

“Meanwhile, the man stood gazing at Rebekah in [reverent] silence, [waiting] to know if the Lord had made his trip successful or not.” ( Genesis 24:21, The Amplified Bible)

I have learned that there’s always something to do while waiting. Usually, it’s continuing to do what You have entrusted to us, to do it to the very best of our ability – with a good attitude (no pouting). And prayer always needs doing, especially while waiting.

But the most important thing to do while waiting is to trust. Trust that, while heaven seems silent, there is stuff going on, often stuff that we can’t see. Sometimes that “stuff” is something You’re doing in us. It is comforting to know that You always have a plan (“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11, New American Standard Bible). We need to accept that Your plan often includes waiting…. and always, trusting in You.