Before we upgraded our supposedly high-speed internet to our new provider my family and I became accustomed to the circling icon of buffering while trying to watch videos online. It never failed, we would log on to our movie account and within the first few minutes we were waiting on that frustrating circle. I think everyone has faced this enemy of downloading countless times.

In computer science, a data buffer is a region of a physical memory storage used to temporarily store data while it is being moved from one place to another. In short, it is the waiting period for information to catch up with how fast you can process it. Our spiritual life works very similar. God is downloading messages to us each and every day, but we sometimes are buffering while we try and process it. This happens when we feel God has spoken to us about something we need to do, but aren’t sure exactly how or when to do it. We all get caught in the buffering stage of trying to process all that He is downloading. Sometimes, the connection is very clear and quick, but sometimes it takes some buffering. We may feel God calling us to make a career move, but are waiting on the rest of the story. We may feel God is telling us to finically bless someone around us, but aren’t sure on how much or how to execute it. We may feel God is giving us an idea for a ministry, but do not know who to talk to or what to do next. This is the buffering stage of processing God’s direction in our life.

Here are some things to hold on to in the buffering stage…

1. Wait IN God Not ON God

There is a big difference between waiting ON God and waiting IN God. Waiting on God requires nothing from us. But God always requires something from us, He wants to partner with us. Waiting IN God is about being actively waiting. It is about being in continual prayer and having our awareness antennas up as we process God’s plans.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

The Bible says to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We have a part to play. It didn’t say God will work out our salvation, it says WE are to work out our salvation. Waiting IN God requires us to work out God’s plans by putting our hand to the plow and pursuing ideas that God is calling us to act on.

2. Be Patient

Patience is not laziness, it is faith in action. You cannot be patient unless you are filled with faith that God will come through. Faith allows us to be patient and wait IN God. Not everything happens overnight, sometimes it takes many nights. Just because you don’t have all the answers now, does not mean God is finished speaking. Many times God gives us His plans and direction in steps. Sometimes God speaks to us progressively as we are progressing along the way. He leads us along the path if we are faithful to follow Him. As He unveils each new step He is shaping us and pushing us to step out in faith and trust Him. Be patient by trusting that He will give you everything you need to know in order to fulfill all He has for you. 

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

3.Look For The Signs

Many times God gives us signs to confirm the things He is speaking to us. Be mindful of the little things that He uses to point us to His plans. When our mind is set on things above and we are tuned into God’s frequency we will pick up on the signals He is broadcasting to confirm our direction. Keep your ears open, keep your eyes focused, and keep your mind on what God is showing you everyday. Wake up each morning and ask God to give you signs to show you His paths.