Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Waitنموونە

Day 4: Connection, Not Isolation

We all have had excruciating moments we want to avoid ever repeating—so we self-protect by isolating. It’s something we are especially tempted to do while we wait. We retreat to a safe place within ourselves, “just until the season has passed.” I have not only done this myself but also witnessed it in others throughout the decades of working in our community.

You start the divorce process, and you disappear from community because it’s easier in the present not to talk about it.

You lose your job and you back away from community because you feel embarrassed.

Why is everyone else moving so quickly into their hopes and dreams? you wonder as you curse your wait. Instead of confronting how you feel, you isolate and hope it will pass. We all struggle with this not only because it is human nature, but because the Enemy is attacking us. If he can’t get us paralyzed by fear, he will put on a new mask and convince us to pull away from our community of support and accountability. And when we are alone, his voice is the loudest.

No one can do the journey of life alone. We were created to do life together. When you are walking through a painful, vulnerable season, you might feel that you don’t have the energy to “go there” with the people you love. The exposure feels so scary, and the emotions you have pushed down deep frighten even you.

But what do you think would happen if you unlocked the door to your inner life to those who know you the best? Connection brings clarity and a bigger picture. Proverbs 11:14 says “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” God steers us toward each other because he wired us to rely on each other. If we can only be brave enough to be honest with our safest people, we’ll be positioned to receive the care and insight we so desperately need.

Keep in mind that one season doesn’t define you, whether it is good or bad. When it’s good, connect the dots: God gives favor. When it’s bad, connect the dots: God is faithful. When it seems to be a wasteland, don’t be surprised if God has more than you could imagine around the corner.

REFLECT: How might you redefine your wait? Are you “wasting” or living in the wonder of an ever-present God?