Waiting is hard for me. Maybe it is for you too. We wait a lot in both our personal and in our professional life, and I don’t think it’s ever easy.

Are you waiting now for something to happen with your job? Are you waiting for God to open a door for you? Are you waiting for God to provide an answer?

Most of us are anxious when we wait. So, what should we do with the energy we have while waiting?

I like this phrase from the writer Ann Voskamp: “When you are waiting, do what waiters do: serve.” Serving is helping others. Scripture says not to stop doing good.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

When it comes to your work, are you in a period of waiting?

Maybe there’s a new opportunity you’re being considered for at your organization. Or the leader you reported to has left and you are waiting for a new leader to be hired. Maybe your organization is in discussions to purchase or be acquired by another organization.

Each of those situations put us in a waiting mode. What should you do?

Don’t spend your time worrying or imagining the many “what ifs.” It’s wasted energy. Focus first on doing your job the best that you can, because it’s something you can control.

Doing your job well is a form of God-pleasing service to your employer and your team. Put their needs first. It might be that no one notices your efforts because they are too distracted. That’s okay. God sees everything, and He sees your faithful service.

I remember when I was looking for a job, it was a difficult time because I felt life was out of control. If you’re in that situation, focus on faithfully following the process of your job search. Do what you can do and do it as well as you can.

When you’re unemployed, you have more time than you used to have. Use some of that extra time to help others, maybe volunteering in your community or your church. You’ll feel better when you do good for others. It’s God’s little reward for serving!

What if you are seeking clarity about a relationship with someone, or waiting for God to open a door in your life, or asking God to give you clarity about a decision?

Those aren’t easy times. We’d like to say “God, tell me what to do,” and then sit back and let Him make it all happen.

I’ll admit, I’ve done that myself, shouting, “God, give me the answer!” Or, “God, give me clarity!” Or even, “God, heal this relationship!” But nothing seems to happen.

I believe it’s because God wants us to take the first step. If you want a better relationship, serve the person you want a better relationship with, putting their needs over yours. If you want clarity or direction, start faithfully on a path, and let God correct you or—what He often does—reward you with more open doors.

I’m not saying it’ll happen overnight, but God rewards actions of service to him and to others.

Serve While WaitingWhat do you do when you’re in “waiting mode?” Leave a comment below and continue the conversation!