The Time in Between

I am up long before the sun most mornings and I have come to recognize a special time that exists right before the new day dawns. There is a moment in time, between the night and the day, when the darkness fades but the sky has not seen the first rays of the sun. The world is hushed and still. Birds have not begun their morning songs and yet the crickets have long since stopped their chirping. It is as if in that moment the world is paused – listening and waiting for something. There is a sense of anticipation in the air as all of creation is silent. And then, God whispers its name and the world awakens with a shout of joy!

I am in that moment of waiting -- the quiet time between the past and the future. And I see from the words some of my blogging friends have written, they are too. As I read their stories, I join them in thankfulness for what God has already brought us through. We are not in the valley but we have not all reached the mountain top. Even though the time in between is calm and often peaceful, it is not always easy. Because our human nature wants us to reach our destination and obtain our goals quickly, the time in between can be frustrating, as if we are on the edge of something great that is just beyond our reach. But, it is a necessary time, this moment in between, when God prepares us for what is to come. It is a time of listening and waiting for His whisper that is sure to come.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

The time in between is when God teaches us patience and grows our trust in Him. It is a refining time when God continues His redeeming work in us. As we place our hope in Him and patiently wait for His voice, we can be sure that He will speak. His timing is always perfect. He alone knows when we are ready for the mountain top.

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3).

As I wait, I am trusting Him with joyful anticipation. I know that this time in my life, just like the quiet moment before the dawn, is a vital time. I welcome His hand on me as he shapes and grows me, preparing me for what is to come. One day soon I know I’ll hear His whisper saying, “Awaken, it is time.”

Living for Him,

 




Join me this weekend over at Spiritual Sundays as more writers share their inspirational, heartfelt thoughts.