Avoid The Wasting Close

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Remember the story of the maidens and the lamps? There were 10 of them; five had oil in the lamps when the bridegroom arrived, but the other five did not. God always arrives but will you be there? Will you be ready? You are waiting for a husband or a wife. But the question to ask is are you waiting, or are you wasting?

There are two different ways to wait: ACTIVELY and PASSIVELY. When you wait actively, you are wise. When you wait passively you are foolish. Passive wait should actually be called wasting! All you are doing is wasting your period of preparation. Many of Singles are at the  'wasting close' where there is no way out except back to the 'waiting boulevard'

where you can pray and prepare. The Bible says, “Faith without work is dead”. Do  you know what a close is? It is a name given to streets where there are no outlets. Being single is not a state of destitution. Singles can live vibrantly and be on fire for God. Many Singles can even have a happier life than those who are married and unhappy. Are you using your time wisely?

David in Psalm 62:1 say, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation". Salvation here of course also means being saved from the trauma, grief or stress of waiting. To wait is to sit in active silence and listen to God’s voice and words, watch for His revelations, hear His command, obey His directives and act. Act upon God’s instructions to you. What God wants you to do is not predicated upon whether or not you are married.

Take Home Lesson: Are you waiting or wasting?  Waiting is a time of preparation; we miss the lesson when we wait passively (waste) by doing nothing to prepare for the future.

Homework: How are you approaching your wait time in God’s throne room? Pray for grace and strength to prepare for what God has in store for you.

Omolola Omoteso is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others. She is the host of Divine Connection and Chair for DC HOMES, an annual gathering for singles.  

This article was first published in eTeachit, a daily devotional.