PDF Summary:When God Says Wait, by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

Periods of waiting can be difficult and frustrating. In When God Says Wait, Elizabeth Laing Thompson explores the spiritual significance of these times. She argues that though delays test our patience and faith, they present opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

Thompson offers strategies for thriving during seasons of waiting by deepening your relationship with God through worship, study, and prayer. She encourages turning to a supportive community while learning to trust God's perfect timing, even when it defies your own expectations.

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Participating in acts of worship and fostering fellowship among fellow Christians.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of engaging in collective worship and establishing significant relationships with fellow believers. Elizabeth Laing Thompson understands the challenge of finding enthusiasm and drive to engage in church activities while in the midst of an eager anticipation for something. She underscores the positive impact of worship, detailing its ability to improve our emotional state, strengthen our recognition of the divine's power and dependability, and cultivate a sense of community and shared encouragement.

She encourages the embrace of new relationships that expand our network of support with those who comprehend our struggles and join us along our journey. Drawing from her personal journey, she shares that openness about her doubts and challenges not only brought her comfort and support but also revealed the deep kindness and goodwill among the fellowship of the faithful. Elizabeth Laing Thompson motivates her audience to recognize that in times when we must be patient, we are not alone in our journey; instead, we receive the companionship and aid from celestial beings to lighten our burdens and to concentrate on the promises given by the Almighty.

Immersing ourselves in the truths of Scripture as revealed by God.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in holy scriptures while waiting for outcomes. She motivates her audience to immerse themselves in biblical texts that resonate with their personal challenges and foster a sense of optimism. She underscores the transformative power of scriptural truths in redefining our mindset, dispelling falsehoods from those who oppose us, and fortifying our understanding of God's character and promises.

She conveys biblical verses that bolstered her belief in challenging periods, highlighting the eternal principles of God's benevolence, reliability, and might. She encourages people to compile a collection of biblical verses that are personally meaningful and affirm the constant presence and support of the divine. Thompson argues that delving into divine truths furnishes us with the means to ward off despair, rekindle our hope, and acquire strength and direction for the journey ahead.

Actively seeking happiness and meaning in the current moment.

Thompson challenges the notion that true contentment is contingent upon changes in our present circumstances. The author encourages readers to cherish the happiness discovered during times of expectation as a gift granted by a higher power. Elizabeth Laing Thompson encourages us to find value in the present moment by acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the small pleasures we experience as we await the revelation of God's timing with patience.

During challenging times, she recounts her experience of discovering happiness in places one wouldn't typically expect, highlighting the significance of humor, innovative thinking, and the acceptance of new obstacles. Shifting our focus from what we lack to the gifts we have can lead us to true satisfaction and help us find value in the here and now. Elizabeth Laing Thompson advocates for a life filled with abundance and aligned with the divine plan, especially in the face of adversity.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Significance Journal" where you write daily entries about moments that felt meaningful or significant to you, even if they seem small. This practice helps you recognize the value in the present and can transform your perspective during periods of waiting. For example, you might note the significance of a conversation with a friend or the feeling of peace during a morning walk.
• Develop a "Spiritual Stamina Playlist" with songs and hymns that resonate with your faith and beliefs, and listen to it during times when you feel like disengaging. Music can be a powerful motivator and can help maintain a connection to your spirituality when you're struggling. You could include songs that have helped you in the past or new ones that speak to your current situation.
• Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your beliefs to actively engage with your community and foster fellowship. This could be anything from helping at a local food bank to participating in a community garden. Such acts of service not only provide a sense of purpose but also create opportunities for meaningful connections with others who share your values.

The importance of nurturing relationships, creating a communal bond, and trusting in a higher power's timing becomes evident during times of waiting.

Thompson emphasizes the significance of interpersonal connections while awaiting anticipated occurrences. She understands the feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and the tendency to retreat that often accompany extended periods of anticipation. Elizabeth Laing Thompson argues that having a supportive community is essential to maintain our emotional and spiritual well-being during times of anticipation. She further explores the intricacies involved in managing relationships as life events and schedules differ, recognizing the difficulties associated with compassion, jealousy, and lack of understanding. Ultimately, she inspires readers to place great importance on their interpersonal bonds and their spiritual ties, acknowledging that both are essential when one is in periods of anticipation.

Leaning on supportive friends and community.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of leaning on a network of friends and the broader community during times of waiting. She elucidates that to forge and sustain deep relationships with others, one must take intentional steps, possess the ability to forgive, and be dedicated to surmounting the challenges that arise during our engagements with people.

She emphasizes the importance of being there for friends through providing support, listening without criticism, and giving practical help. She underscores the significance of advocating for friends who are dealing with difficulties and the value of drawing on the collective prayers of the faith community for support. Thompson also advises readers to broaden their support network by venturing out of their comfort zones, engaging with unfamiliar individuals, and fostering genuine relationships.

Being open about our challenges and welcoming assistance from others.

Thompson advocates for sharing our struggles and actively seeking assistance from our community. She acknowledged that such a degree of openness might lead to discomfort. She underscores the importance of not concealing our struggles and attempting to manage them on our own, as this can result in loneliness and diminish opportunities for others to offer emotional and ethical encouragement.

She shares the story of revealing her miscarriage and job loss to the congregation, followed by an outpouring of love and support. She encourages readers to appreciate the benevolence of those around them and to allow them the chance to assist in overcoming our obstacles.

Navigating relational challenges and avoiding comparison while in a period of anticipation.

Thompson acknowledges the challenges we encounter in our interpersonal connections as we observe others achieving milestones we still eagerly await. She talks about her own struggles with envy, especially when her companions were pregnant.

She motivates individuals to conquer envy by sincerely taking joy in others' successes, recognizing that our own moments for festivity will come when the time is right. She also encourages us to freely offer forgiveness, acknowledging that at times, friends might make comments that appear inconsiderate or fail to fully understand the extent of our turmoil. The author emphasizes to her readers that everyone faces their own challenges and deserves understanding.

We must open ourselves to the care and support of others.

Thompson encourages individuals to broaden their support networks and to understand that in equitable relationships, the exchange of emotional support ought to be reciprocal, rather than placing the entire weight on a single individual. She also motivates her audience to welcome the support and solace from those around them.

She emphasizes the solace and support gained from confiding our challenges with those close to us, exemplified by the bond Naomi had with Ruth, her daughter-in-law. She also emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled solace we discover through our connection with the Divine. She motivates her audience to present every worry and trepidation to their divine Parent, relying on His consistent and loving concern.

Relying on the divine schedule and plan, even when it exceeds our comprehension.

Thompson's core message emphasizes the importance of trusting in the divine plan and its timing, even when His ways are beyond our understanding. She emphasizes that we lack the capacity to predict the complexities inherent in the divine plan. Elizabeth Laing Thompson encourages us to trust wholeheartedly in the infinite wisdom and affection of God, surrendering our desires and expectations to His perfectly orchestrated timetable.

Recognizing that the plans of the Divine are beyond our comprehension.

The author stresses to her audience that we cannot fully grasp the divine plan for our existence, illustrating this point with a scriptural comparison that highlights the immense gap between human comprehension and the wisdom of the divine, akin to the expanse separating earth from the heavens. She acknowledges the tendency to scrutinize the motives behind the decisions of the Divine and to interpret events as either punishment or signs of His displeasure.

She urges readers to avoid forming opinions about the divine deeds from our narrow perspective, instead advocating for reliance on His nature and assurances. She emphasizes the kindness, affection, and loyalty displayed by God, even when His approaches are mysterious. By surrendering our need to understand and acknowledging the ultimate authority of the divine, she argues, we open ourselves to the peace and comfort found in His nurturing presence.

Seizing the chance to enhance one's spiritual belief and personal attributes while anticipating.

Thompson motivates her audience to view intervals of anticipation as opportunities for growth in their spiritual and personal attributes. She underscores that, despite their difficulty, these periods harbor a significant capacity for spiritual metamorphosis. By recognizing that difficulties can prompt our growth, she advocates viewing intervals of anticipation as opportunities for self-betterment rather than as signs of celestial discontent.

She illustrates her point by referencing the trials of Joseph, which included betrayal, enslavement, and incarceration, and emphasizes the ways in which these hardships served to fortify his character over time. God often uses times of waiting to shape our character, prepare us for upcoming challenges, and to more accurately carve our being to reflect His Son's image.

Embracing serenity within the divine schedule, even if it diverges from our personal expectations.

Thompson advises individuals to seek solace in the divine schedule, which may not always align with personal timelines. She acknowledges the difficulty of going through a time marked by a lack of clarity, without knowledge of the final outcome or when it will occur. The writer underscores the importance of trusting in the divine schedule, even though it may occasionally leave us bewildered.

She illustrates how our perspective can transform the experience of waiting through the use of personal anecdotes and examples from scripture. She encourages individuals to view delays not as mere periods of inactivity or signs of heavenly delay, but as opportunities for self-improvement, with the conviction that there is a meticulous arrangement of circumstances by a higher power out of sight. By surrendering our desires to the flawless orchestration of the Divine, Thompson proposes that we allow His guidance to permeate our being, leading us to a deeper bond and the fulfillment of His purposes for our lives.

Other Perspectives

• While nurturing relationships is important, some individuals may find personal growth and resilience in solitude during times of waiting.
• The concept of a supportive community is beneficial, but it may not be accessible or desirable for everyone; some may prefer to rely on a few close relationships or professional support systems.
• Openness about challenges is generally positive, but privacy and discretion can also be valuable, as not everyone is comfortable sharing personal struggles publicly.
• While avoiding comparison is a noble goal, it is a natural human tendency, and some individuals may find motivation or drive in comparing their progress with others.
• The idea of opening oneself to care and support assumes that everyone has a network available, which may not be the case for those who are isolated or have experienced relational trauma.
• Relying on a divine schedule and plan presupposes a belief in a higher power, which may not align with the beliefs or worldviews of all individuals.
• The notion that divine plans are beyond comprehension may not resonate with those who do not subscribe to spiritual or religious beliefs, or who believe in a more deterministic or self-directed life philosophy.
• Viewing periods of anticipation as opportunities for spiritual and personal growth is optimistic, but it may not acknowledge the full emotional and psychological toll such periods can take.
• Embracing serenity within a divine schedule can be challenging for those who face urgent or critical situations that require immediate resolution rather than passive waiting.