Making The Wait Count

CORE PRACTICE #45: Don’t rush into making major decisions.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.

—Psalm 40:1-3

TONY

It was one of the most disappointing and heartbreaking moments of my life. I remember it all as if it were yesterday: clearing out my office at One Buccaneer Place late that night and then taking one final walk around the facility. That place had become my home away from home, and I wanted to spend a few minutes reflecting on all that was and all that might have been.

As I was leaving, I noticed the local Bay News 9 reporter recording footage of me—the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—loading boxes from my office into the back of my SUV. That footage would air repeatedly in the Tampa Bay area for the next few days.

I knew that being fired was an all-too-common reality in today’s world, especially in the high-priced, high-stakes world of the National Football League. Acknowledging that made me feel a little better, as did believing that tomorrow would be easier, and the next day a little easier than that. After all, I still had my family, and we were all healthy. As I thought about it, I realized that God was simply closing a door and that He would open another one for me.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what was next for me and my family. I wondered when I would hear from God. I hoped it would be soon. But Lauren and I also knew that we needed to give ourselves time to heal and reflect. We wanted to allow ourselves as much time as possible to pray and consider what other opportunities we might explore.

After we’ve experienced a job loss or other major life disruption, it’s wise to wait patiently for God’s comfort and direction. That doesn’t happen by sitting back passively, but by praying, evaluating our situations, and reflecting on God’s promises while leaning in to listen for His still, small voice. When we draw near to Him, He is able to direct us, to lift us out of the miry clay, and to put a new song in our mouths—as today’s Scripture verses describe. Waiting is not always easy to do. Often after a major disappointment we want something to happen fast.

As badly as we wanted a quick answer as to the next step for our family, Lauren and I reminded ourselves to be patient as we prayed. We talked about trying to be sure we were following God’s plans, not our own desires. The waiting ended for me and Lauren when the owner of the Indianapolis Colts left a lengthy message on our answering machine. Eventually it became clear that Jim Irsay’s job offer was the answer we’d been looking for. It didn’t come immediately—but it did teach us a little more about what waiting on God really means.

Adventure Application: Is your family facing a difficult decision? If so, are you waiting on God and listening for His voice? If you’re not in decision-making mode now, how can you prepare yourself so you’re ready the next time you face a major turning point?