Day 15 – Teen Devotion: While You’re Waiting, Do These
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Do you ever sense your life as a young adult is a holding pattern—a time when you’re just waiting for life to begin? If so, you’re not alone. Some people act as though these early years are like an extended stay in a waiting room. Many youth think this way, but that mindset can lead to wasting valuable time. While you’re waiting to get your shot, here are eight things you can do to steward your time well and glorify God in the present. The key to remember is what you do today forms the foundation upon which your entire adult life will stand. If you procrastinate, as though life does not begin until later, you may develop the debilitating habit of procrastination.
Read Rick’s 31-Day Devotions
Eight Things to Do While You Wait
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days
are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
- Worship: God is our satisfaction. Life’s busyness might compete for your attention and fill your calendar, but it’s essential to fight for time with God. Make Him your priority, even with an overwhelming schedule.
- Hope: God’s plans often seem slow, though His delays are intentional. He uses waiting to teach gratitude, patience, perseverance, and other character traits you will need all your life. Keep your hope rooted in God’s goodness, trusting that He is working in your life today.
- Rest: Avoid the temptation to force life to happen on your terms. Resting while waiting is a gift from God. Instead of forcing yourself on the game, let the game come to you while trusting God’s plan to unfold at the right time.
- Trust: Life’s difficulties aren’t barriers—they’re opportunities to put Christ on display. Like resistance training, you become stronger with each rep. Embrace adversity as a chance to grow in faith and show others the power of trusting God.
- Imitate: There are always people around you who are unseen and unheard. These souls feel the pinch of loneliness daily. Look beyond yourself and seek out those who are struggling. Be a living testimony of Christ’s love by encouraging and caring for them. Who will you be Jesus to today?
- Repent: Repentance is a gift from God. For too many believers, it’s the rustiest tool in their toolshed. It allows you to turn from sin and align your life with the Lord’s will. Like a superhero with a secret weapon, you can change your life by actively and practically repenting.
- Pray: Ask God for what you need and trust His response, especially if He does not give you what you want or delays His response. Your job isn’t to worry about whether He’ll give you what you want; it’s to ask in faith and prepare your heart for His answer.
- Gratitude: Your attitude when you don’t get what you ask for reveals the strength of your faith. Cultivate gratitude in all circumstances—big and small. A thankful heart is a mature heart. A “No” from the Lord means He has something better in mind.
Time to Reflect
Choose one tip from the list to focus on for the next few days. For example:
- If you choose gratitude, start a daily gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day, and reflect on how they reveal God’s goodness to you.
- If you choose prayer, set aside a specific time each day to pray about what’s on your heart and ask God to align your desires with His will.
Write a specific plan to implement your chosen tip. Share it with a trusted mentor or friend who can encourage and hold you accountable. Waiting doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. Use this season to grow, serve, and draw closer to God. You don’t have to wait for the future to glorify Him—start today.
Let’s move forward, making the most of the present as we wait with faith and purpose.
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Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
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