Life is not about Me

I named my blog “For the Times In-Between” because of the recurring moments in life when waiting becomes an unexpected new reality. 

This week, I’ve been reflecting on instances in the Bible when the time in-between was crossed over, and worth every tear and fear of waiting. 

The Israelites’ time in-between consisted of slavery and desert wandering.  

Joshua obediently marched the Israelites around Jericho for six days.

David waited fifteen years after his anointing by Samuel.

Joseph endured thirteen years of false accusations.

Daniel took courage in the lion’s den overnight.

And last but not least, Jesus spent thirty-three years between Earth and Heaven intentionally doing God’s work. 

But we know these are not the end of all these stories, and we have the privilege of knowing what happens on the other side of these times in-between.

Israel was set free and walked through the Red Sea and desert into God’s promises.

On the seventh day of faithfully marching, the walls of Jericho came crumbling down.

David’s dream of being King of Israel came true.

Joseph was justified and became second in command of Egypt.

Daniel survived the lion’s den, unharmed.

And Jesus finished his mission, victoriously rising from the dead!

In all these stories, pain in the waiting never had the last word; it was necessary for each person to walk through difficulty because God had an assignment for them to complete. 

Oh, how I wish I could see what’s on the other side of my times in-between! But, these heroes of faith and their stories give me hope. Not the kind of hope that says I’ll get what I want, but the kind of hope reminding me that trusting Jesus on a daily basis produces the best ending. 

The times in-between can be brutal, or even boring, but there is beauty to look forward to. And there is a purpose we can lean into, right here in the waiting. 

God has been reminding me of this overlooked fact: Life is not about me. Life is not about all my desires being fulfilled or dreams coming true, either. The sooner I realize that, the closer I come to living my purpose of showcasing HIM through my life. 

The middle of the story is not the end; it is an opportunity to say, “write your story through my life, God.” It’s an opportunity to seek His Kingdom first and experience genuine joy (Matthew 6:33). And it’s an opportunity to praise Him above the storm of the enemy’s lies and discouragement. 

I listened to this very fitting song recently called, “The Time in Between” by Francesca Battistelli. The words are priceless and a beautiful depiction of the blessing of waiting. Here are a few of the lyrics:

But it’s the time in between

That I fall down to my knees

Waiting on what you’ll bring

And the things that I can’t see

I know my song’s incomplete

Still I’ll sing in the time in between

No matter what chapter our stories are in or where they land, we can expectantly wait on the One who spent His years in-between living and dying for us. He is trustworthy and He is good, let’s thank Him for that at all times.

-Dee