God, I’m Weary, am I Done Yet?

Inside: We want to just be done with the seasons of exhaustion- this is the worn-out meaning. However, God gives us sustaining promises in His word.
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About ten years ago, I had to get braces on my bottom teeth. The worst part of the whole ordeal was making the impressions for the braces. While reclined in an orthodontist chair, I had to keep a mouthful of toothpaste-like substance in my mouth. I kept asking if I was done yet because I was so uncomfortable.

The toothpaste in my mouth lasted a long time. I couldn’t swallow, so I just had to wait.
All I could fixate on was swallowing.  I need to swallow now, and the pounding heart rate started up with me, I can’t wait.

Am I done yet?

Time went so slow, and my impatience was increasing.

 Worn-Out Meaning

Isn’t that how it feels when we’ve spent an extended period in the waiting for God?

The meaning of worn-out is: exhausted or used up by or as if by wear (Merriam-Webster).

Everything in us wants to scream I can’t do this any longer. Time is slowly advancing, and impatience is increasing by leaps and bounds. We don’t or can’t hold on any longer.

Am I done yet?

We want to just be done with it. We want an intermission and then high-tail out of this season.

Doesn’t it feel like God is being mean when He keeps us in this extended time period, especially when we feel so worn-out?

Here’s the thing, when our attitude stinks, it gives Satan a foot in the door Share on X

Then Satan begins to lead us into the valley of self-pity, depression, and indifference about our life. Satan is all out ready for attack when we descend into the barren lands.

 

God’s Not Done Yet

God pushes us to our breaking points, so we can dig deep into His strength.

The course of a lifetime of experiences is where we find wisdom and insight. How do you think Christians mature (and it doesn’t have to do with physical age)?

We become mature from what we experience in our Christian walk. A key point to remember is the waiting and worn-out seasons are where we get the experience.

In other words, we continue on with grit in our teeth, walking by faith, but expectant that God is leading us and holding our hand.

Maturing comes through learning. I often wonder how Paul accepted the circumstances he encountered. Singing while being in prison is just one example. When I spent a little time thinking about this passage, the word jumped out at me.

 I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:12, NLT).

 Did you see it? He learned how to be content. Christian Paul wasn’t reborn content, rather his circumstances taught him contentment. Paul needed to grow into a mature Christian.

To become a mature Christian requires God teaching me. Share on X

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to BreatheYou’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent TimesHe Fights for You: 40 Promises for Everyday BattlesGod Is With You Every Day

The Lessons in the Waiting

During these periods, what is God trying to say to me as I dwell there?

1. Is God pointing out a heart issue that needs some work?
2. Do I need to forget the past?
3. Do I need to extinguish fear, worry, doubt?
4. Does an idol in my life need to be toppled?
5. Am I self-centered or God-centered?

God always teaches us a lesson in these seasons, if we expectantly look for His wisdom.

(2 Samuel 15:28, NLT). ²⁸ I will stop at the shallows of the Jordan River and wait there for a report from you.”

When we are dwelling in the boonies, we need to remember God is at work. We want to see the action happening, don’t we?

If we could see the assembly line of change than we could accept the time frame.

Since we can’t see anything happening and only feel the frustration and exhaustion, it’s hard to walk in faith.

God Wanted David to Grow

I’ve brought up David before because I love that He wasn’t afraid to be gut honest with God.

I catch myself agreeing with David feeling’s so many times.

 David echoes how I’ve felt when I was there in the waiting and worn-out time,

³ I am exhausted from crying for help;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
    waiting for my God to help me (Psalm 69:3, NLT).

4 Tips When We’re Waiting:

1. Realize Jesus is with us, and He is cheering us on. (remember we are maturing into a better Christian).
2. Read the Word, be intentional and consistent with your prayers.
3. Remember God will sustain.
4. Remain hopeful and God will renew our strength.

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
    to those who search for him.
²⁶ So it is good to wait quietly
    for salvation from the Lord (Lamentations 3:25-26, NLT).

This season will not go to waste. This experience will grow you in many ways and give you the experience to mature into the Christian who God wants you to be.