In the Waiting: Drawing Near to God in Seasons of Wanting

by Jazmin N. Frank

Waiting is something we either try to avoid or try to end as soon as possible. We have a hard time sitting in the tension of wanting, but not yet having. There are so many emotions, doubts, and questions in the waiting, and we’re not quite sure what to do with them. Often the waiting becomes a point of tension in our faith and our relationship with God. We blame Him for the waiting and wonder why He hasn’t come through yet. Waiting is isolating, and it challenges our belief in God’s goodness and faithfulness. But what if we that hard tension of waiting could become a catalyst for knowing God better? What if deeper intimacy with God could be birthed in the middle of our waiting seasons?We’re all waiting for something—change, healing, freedom, connection, community, deliverance. We get to decide how we handle that waiting. Do we try to push through it or end it to get what we want? Or do we choose to enter into it honestly and vulnerably with God? Do we focus on getting that thing we’re waiting for, or do we seek to be near to God and know Him better, no matter the outcome of our desire?In the Waiting is a 40 day journey through Scripture as we come alongside others who waited. Through their stories, we’ll learn how to wait well, what not to do while we wait, and most importantly, how to draw near to God in seasons of wanting.

194 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Julie De · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more like a workbook but really good. It does have some questions to answer in it but I just answered in my head as I don't like to write things in books. It had a bible passage/story to read before you got into each study. People like Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Rebecca, Job, Ruth, Esther, David, Mary, Peter, the bleeding woman, even Jesus himself all had some type of waiting to do. There were more these are just some of the examples. Some got a yes, some got a no, some waited a bit some waited many years. There may be a yes but he may answer in a way you don't think he will and if there's a no he may give you an alternative. I will be going back through this again in the future.

[Gretchen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when I saw this devotional. I am in my own season of waiting and was looking forward to starting this morning devotional. "In the Waiting" is more than I expected. It is an thought provoking look into biblical periods of waiting and people struggling with doubt. I learned to trust God to be there in the quiet periods and to know God is working. This book is great for a morning devotional or as a Bible study. If you or someone you know is currently waiting for something, this is the book to buy!

[Rachael Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us are familiar with the struggle of wanting something to happen while waiting for God’s plan to unfold. This gap between what is and what will be is the focus of Jazmin Frank’s Bible study, “In the Waiting.” Jazmin explores how we can be active in the present as we hope for the future by examining the examples of beloved Biblical characters. Through their lives, we are reminded of God’s providence and challenged to trust Him no matter the timetable or answer He gives. Jazmin helped me understand it is ok to want, but ultimately that I should want God most of all.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are wondering what God is up to in your life because He doesn't seem to hear your request for that 'something' you've been waiting for, then this is the read for you. Jazmin also provides a few specific questions with each chapter that jump start your wondering and turn it into waiting with a purpose, trusting in the God who loves you.

[Jessica Faith Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this study is that it is truly a BIBLE study. From the design to the content to the questions, it was continually pointing me back to God's Word, and helped me engage with even the familiar Bible stories in a fresh way.

Jazmin writes about how waiting can actually be good without diminishing the hard stuff of waiting, giving encouragement and application for drawing closer to God in our waiting.

This study has been so inspiring and helpful, and I would recommend it to anyone in a season of waiting, uncertainty, disappointment, or unfulfilled dreams.