Here is an article that Emily wrote last year for The Throat. Although it’s a few months old now, it’s relevant since we are still waiting.

Psalm 25:4-5 “Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.”

One of the things that I have always known about my spiritual walk with the Lord is that I am willing to do whatever He leads me to do. He led me to go to college in Missouri for a degree in education, He led me to marry a man named Chris Vickio and He instilled in me a desire to do mission work in East Africa. All of these things I have gladly accepted because they are all used to further the kingdom. But never in my life have I contemplated the Lord leading me to wait.

In all of the previous decisions I have made in my life, I prayed about them, sought Godly counsel, prayed some more, and then acted upon my decision. When faced with the decision of my occupation, I decided that I wanted to serve God with my ability to teach. After seeking the answer as to what avenue to take to receive the needed education, I chose a school and then went. When faced with the decision of my life-long mate, God brought to me a man who loved the Lord and lived his life showing that. After prayer, wise counsel, and time with him and God, I married Chris. In both of the above scenarios, I was active in seeking the outcome and I thought it was going to be the same with my decision to become an overseas missionary.

After making the decision to devote my life to missionary work, things progressed quickly but then suddenly came to a halt when a roadblock entered the picture. The house my husband and I own has been on the market for a year but has not sold yet. My family, my church family, my husband and I have all been praying very hard but it is very clear the answer is to wait. At first, I was very confused. I have never had to wait on the Lord before. In all of my experiences, my prayers were answered and I was able to get to work. But, now I can not do anything but wait for God to make His move. But how am I supposed to do that? What does waiting on the Lord look like?

I have come to the conclusion that waiting on the Lord is a form of spiritual art. It is something that everyone must eventually face. Through my time of waiting, I have learned several things to help me stay focused and not get discouraged.

The first thing I realized is that I have to believe that God can handle anything. The Bible tells me so in Mark 10:27. It says, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” I have to know without a doubt that God is in control.

Second, I have to trust that God will take care of me. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.” I have to have faith that He will work everything out for my good.

The third lesson I learned was that I can not waste my time while I wait. God may be calling me to overseas mission work in the near future, but what about today? What about right now? God may have me here for a purpose and what if I am so wrapped up in my own self that I miss it?

I have decided that I am no longer going to see waiting in a negative light. When I look at this through God’s eyes, the time spent waiting no longer appears bleak and unadventurous. There is still work to do, disciples to make, and the church to encourage. I can still glorify God while I wait and the Bible promises that if I do so, I will become strong. Isaiah 40:31 says, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”