The wait. The anticipation. Each year, during the Christian season of Advent, we wait expectantly, in great anticipation! The day is coming to celebrate the arrival of our Savior!
How do you feel about waiting? Are you able to be patient and enjoy the journey during the time you wait? Or have you grown accustomed to the instant gratification that our current culture seems to value?
Waiting
The American culture we currently live in views “waiting” much differently than what God intends for us. Many do not want—or even know how—to wait. If we want something, there is usually a way to instantly obtain it.
The most recent example is that our culture can’t even wait for Black Friday to start shopping the sales. Now it starts on Thursday evening, before supper is even over (or started!), waaayyyyy before our day of gratitude even ends!
In a day and time when it’s so normal to just get what we want when we want it, it’s tough to wait!
Waiting for Jesus
Yet how boring would it be if we skipped the weeks and days leading up to Christmas Day? If we skipped the decorating, the Christmas activities, the parties, the crafting, the gift-giving, the lights. If we didn’t take the time to prepare our hearts for Christmas Day through Scripture, devotionals, lessons, prayer, and time with the One we are to celebrate. Skipping those things would just make this glorious season humdrum.
You see, waiting passively for Christmas Day and doing nothing to prepare for it, would sure take away much of the joy of this season!
Enter “active” waiting.
Advent is a time to actively wait and to savor the present as we wait. Much of the joy is in the journey, giving our time and attention to all of the above mentioned. It’s not only about Christmas Day, but about each moment and day leading up to it.
Waiting in our Financial Journey
There is value in waiting when it comes to our financial journey as well.
This time of year unfortunately comes with financial pressures for many. You may be in a season of waiting, hoping, and praying for your financial situation to improve.
Please know that the Lord will provide, and that you can trust Him. Paul reinforces this belief in Philippians 4:19. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” 
Also, be reminded that active waiting beats passive waiting any day. Let the Lord know what you’re feeling, the stress you’re under, and allow Him to guide your thoughts and actions while you wait. In the same chapter of Phillippians (4:6-7), Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
How do we “actively wait” when it comes to our finances?
Scripture reading and prayer can remind us of the Lord’s provision and ease anxiety surrounding financial concerns. As you read and pray, be sure to ask God how you can become a better steward of what He has given you. Even when you doubt you have much, Scripture, prayer, and His love will open up the flood gates to recognizing the blessings He has given you. It will also open your heart’s desire to pour those blessings out to others.
Whether we are trying to better steward our money, or the talents, abilities, and time He gives us, using those gifts is a wonderful way to actively wait.
What gifts has God given you that you can choose to steward more intentionally during this time of active waiting?
This season, no matter if you are doing well — spiritually and/or financially — or if you are struggling in some areas, I want to challenge you to actively, not passively, wait. Embrace the present. Be mindfully and prayerfully aware of where God has you, what He is doing in your life currently, and how He wants you to steward your finances and your life.
Above all, whether regarding your money or your life, I pray you can find joy in the waiting. That you can delight in the journey. That you are completely aware that your hope and your provision come from Him, and Him alone. Our present, as well as our future, is secure and He will meet all our needs as we actively wait.
As always, continue to steward your money — and your life — intentionally.
Heather
P.S. If you’re gearing up for the New Year and trying to get more organized with your money, grab your free printables (and some helpful tips!) here. The printables include bill trackers and savings trackers!
Join the CREATED for MORE private Facebook group here! It’s full of support and encouragement as we all work on being good stewards of what God has given us! There will be some exciting things to come with the New Year, and you won’t want to miss them! 😉 Hint: Ready to learn to manage money & budget God’s way?
