My recent house guests were my brother and his wife. With their help, my house came alive with red and green decorations.
Time to Eat
Once we placed the angel on the tree top, I announced, “We’ll have a delicious, home-cooked dinner.”
“Sounds great,” they said.
But as dinner time got closer, there was no action in the kitchen. No pots or ingredients filled the kitchen countertop.
“Can I help you fix something?” my sister-in-law asked.
“Nope. All is under control.”
Their stomachs probably growled with hunger while there was no sign of any dinner preparation. But I knew something they didn’t: In a nearby kitchen, my friend, a wonderful caterer, wearing her apron, was busy taking casseroled dishes out of the oven, chopping, mixing sauces and artistically arranging desserts on a platter for us.
The doorbell rang. My friend stood at the doorway with arms full. She got busy and served her delicious creations. The aroma filled the air as we quickly sat around the table, and before long, my guests oohed and ached with every scrumptious bite.
God Is Doing the Same for Us
We wonder when He’s going to show up with the promise of His answers. When He is going to open the doors that were closed for so long.
We wait and wait with hearts hungry for His answer. For that loved one to come back. For a miracle to turn the situation around. For loneliness to leave. And for financial freedom to come.
Anxiety intensifies when we see others enjoying exactly what we hunger for.
Yet it’s in those very moments and during sleepless nights, while our mind plays the unwanted adversity over and over again, we can know that God is not idle, He’s busy. He’s working. He’s molding and preparing. The psalmist knew. And we should too. He said, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5a).
The Key Word Is ‘Prepare’
His preparation includes changing our thinking. Molding us possibly with the chiseled of hardship. Shaping us to receive what He prepared. Growing us in wisdom and polishing us to be the shining recipient of His goodness.
Knowing He’s at work, the waiting is bearable. The peace is real. The anticipation is sweet. And the waiting period change; it becomes a period of joyous expectation instead.
Let’s Pray
Father, forgive my impatience. Grant me a heart of peaceful acceptance as I wait for the banquet You’re preparing for me. In Jesus’ name.
How is God preparing you these days? {eoa}
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett