I may have told you this before, but I love fishing! I always have hope that the next cast will bring in a fish. A typical fishing day consists of casting and waiting. While waiting for that illusive fish, I nap, snack, read, practice memory verses, snack, pray, work in a puzzle book, and eat lunch.

Life is filled with ‘seasons of waiting.’ Look at the prophet, Elijah. He was sent to Israel’s wicked King Ahab to announce that for the next few years there would be no rain. Then, God sent him to a brook to avoid Ahab’s vengeance. Elijah went as told and God commandeered ravens to bring Elijah food.

Then, Elijah waited. Probably for about three years. He waited for God to provide his daily food and water, waited for God to protect him, and waited for a signal that God had something else for him to do.

But in that waiting, God was working. God knew that Elijah would soon go to minister to a widow and her son outside of Israel and after that, confront hundreds of false prophets on Mt. Carmel. God used that time to prepare Elijah for his future work or calling.

God uses our ‘seasons of waiting’ to prepare us as well. That time is not wasted. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn, grow in our faith, and be transformed so we are ready for the next work God has for us. In other words, keep casting and do not give up hope.

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14).