Ground turkey was on my shopping list. I rounded the corner at my local grocery and began inspecting the ground turkey offerings. I was just about to select a package when a manager suggested that I come back later and make my purchase. I was immediately irritated. I had no idea why this person assumed I’d be interested in making multiple treks to the store. A concern must’ve shown on my face because the manager quickly leaned toward me and explained in a conspiratorial whisper that the ground turkey would be on sale the day after tomorrow. Pleased with this information, I graciously thanked the manager. Two days later, I was delighted to purchase ground turkey as part of a buy one, get one free offer.

I was pleased with the outcome, yet the entire situation made me wonder. How many times have we been so fixated on addressing our immediate situation that we miss out on the “greater” that God has for us? Why are we so quick to settle for what we see instead of trusting God for more? When our plans are thwarted or delayed, why do we abandon them altogether, assuming that we are operating outside of God’s will?

The truth is God has greater and more for us than we can ever expect. God searches our hearts. Jeremiah 17:10 says “But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Not only does the Lord know our motives, but he also knows the plans He has for us. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We must carefully guard against making assumptions about God’s intents or plans concerning us. Just as I learned with my wonderful grocery gain, we must be careful about jumping to conclusions and working ahead of the one who holds all knowledge about every situation that concerns us. Waiting is beneficial because it allows us to watch God’s plans unfold and situations change.

I confess that I am a horrible “waiter”. God is so gracious and loving that He provides me with new opportunities to practice waiting. Waiting is not for wimps nor the faint of heart. Waiting develops character, builds expectation, and drives anticipation. I have yet to be disappointed when waiting on the Lord. Psalm 27:14 says “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” The absolute joy, deliverance, hope, and peace that flows from the manifestation of God’s promises makes every situation well worth the wait. When I wait on the Lord, I usually receive far greater than whatever I initially asked. The key to waiting is to align yourself with God’s will. That alignment activates God’s Holy Spirit, John 14:26 ^“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

The next time you feel disappointed about God not blessing you in the manner and timeframe that you specified, remember who HE is and who you are. Delayed is not denied. You can rejoice, even in your waiting, knowing that your heavenly Father is orchestrating events to ultimately bless your life. Psalm 84:11 says “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”