My life seems to be on hold right now. Has God forgotten me?

Genesis 40:23Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.

2 Samuel 5:4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all.

Luke 3:23Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry.

2 Timothy 1:12That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

Because of a cup-bearer’s forgetfulness, Joseph spent two additional years in prison. David was anointed as the next king of Israel when he was just a boy, but he did not reign until he was thirty years old. Much of that time was spent running and hiding from King Saul. Jesus began his ministry when he was thirty. Paul spent much time in prison for his faith. While we might think God should not have “wasted” their time, God knew better. David’s waiting prepared him for the great work God had called him to do. Paul’s waiting gave him time to write several books of the New Testament. Time “on hold” is not wasted if we are serving God right where we are. Trust that God’s timing is perfect.

Psalm 69:13I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

Isaiah 40:31Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Romans 12:12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

We should keep praying, be patient, and stay alert as we wait for God to show us our next assignment.