in the waiting.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. -- James 1:12

Alot of times I think, "Oh come on, waiting isn't really a trial. That's not exactly what they're talking about. Waiting doesn't really take that kind of perseverance."

But more and more, I'm learning that isn't true.

Waiting requires patience, trust, faith in God's promises and so much more. Which means waiting is a trial that does require perseverance. It's hard. It's hard trusting God in the unknown. It's hard trusting a supernatural, invisible God. And that requires perseverance.

Waiting is so much more than just waiting. It's a building of your character and your identity in Christ. Waiting when you just simply don't understand where He's going with this requires perseverance. And you're undergoing hard and difficult trials. Trials only God can help and sustain you in and through.

So, I do believe waiting is included in those "trials."

But I also trust the God of the universe. I don't like the times I'm in, but I trust Him. (That much I can say.)

And in the end we receive the greatest gift of all, the crown of LIFE. Woah, that's huge, guys! Crown. Of. Life. Seated at the right hand of God. Whole. Complete lacking nothing.

Yeah, I'll go with that.
Which is why I'm trying so hard to push through the excruciating time of waiting that I'm in.

And in the end, it'll all be worth it.

Praise Him.