Waiting for the wind to turn

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25 ESV)

The other day my wife and I took a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the beauty of a large lake—the rugged mountains rising on both sides, the river that flows into the lake and supplies it with fresh water, the birds bobbing on the waves, the ever-changing hues of the lake, and the sun reflecting off the surface, transforming it into a stream of glittering gold. The big body of water and surrounding mountains provide a uniquely sheltered and pleasant climate.

In the morning a breeze usually comes down from the north, and in the afternoon it turns around and a stronger breeze comes up the lake from the south. At that time, it was midday, “in between winds,” so the boats were still, waiting for the wind to turn.

Then a thought came to me: In life, sometimes we’re also “in between winds.”

In those times we just have to wait for the wind to pick up and fill our little sail to put the boat back in motion.

 We can continue to aim high, dream big, and do the best we can with whatever tasks He entrusts to our care; however, when we’re “in between winds,” it’s no good trying to blow on our own sail. It’s God’s business to send the wind in His way and in His time. We can trust that He knows what is best for us. —Paul Valour [1]

Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts. —Elisabeth Elliot

[1] Activated In Between Winds