Life Lessons—In Ways We Cannot See

by Reba J Hoffman, Ph.D.

Don't try to force the timing of your success

I spend a lot of time around writers and one of the concerns I hear regularly is that they'll never get their big break into the industry. I get it. I’ve had my share of waiting, disappointments and detours.

They get all caught up in the moment—you know—that empty tick of the clock when you feel suspended in your dream. It’s agonizing. You become restless. At that moment, it’s easy to take matters into your own hands and make your own way.

That’s when you must remember God is working in ways you cannot see. He knows the plans He has concerning you. Plans to prosper you. And, if you allow Him to, God orders each of your steps.

God knows exactly how you will be successful and is working to bring that to pass. In fact, that door could fly open in an instant when you didn’t even realize a door was even there. That’s the way God works.

Here are things to keep in mind while you’re out there in Literary Limboland.

God's timing is as perfect as His will.

• Even if you can’t see it, things are happening. When you plant seeds in the ground, it appears nothing is happening, but really life is germinating right below the surface.

• God’s timing is as perfect as His will. He manipulates the entire universe to bring you to a place and a time where you will succeed. Trust that. 

• It’s God’s good pleasure to prosper you. He loves you and you are the apple of his eye. He wants to see you succeed. Rest in that.

Waiting carries its own reward.

• God’s way is better than you could ever imagine or devise on your own. Believe me, it’s worth the wait! 

I know it’s difficult to wait. In our instant society, we're used to getting things instantly. And when that doesn’t happen, it is so tempting to conclude nothing is going to happen or to grab the ball and run with it. But I don’t think the world could take another Ishmael, do you?

God really is working in ways you cannot see. When in the darkness of limbo, enjoy it. Soon enough you’ll be as busy as you can possibly be. Relax. God’s got this!

How do you cope with Limboland? Share it here!

Photo courtesy of
Mary Denman

Reba J. Hoffman is the founder and president of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is a natural encourager. She serves as Member Care Coach for My Book Therapy and is the author of Dare to Dream, A Writer’s Journal. You can connect with Reba through her motivational blog, Finding True North, or by email at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at @RebaJHoffman.