Are We There Yet?

How many times did you ask that question from the back seat of the family car growing up? I remember the look us kids would get from my mom when we’d ask, “are we there yet?” Our family traveled from Illinois to Indiana in the summers of my childhood, driving over country roads and through little towns with small gas stations, lovely town squares, rusted water towers, and the occasional courthouse with a high-flying American flag situated on its roof.

There was a bend in the two-lane highway with stop warnings in the pavement that seemed to rattle the whole car. Once when I was taking a nap, I was jarred awake by our car tires running over the metal grates. I still remember looking out the window at the trees in the distance that seemed to be moving right along with us. And it was a little bit of excitement during a long, hot ride when a friendly semi-truck driver would accommodate us by blasting his horn as we signaled him.

The journey seemed to go on forever for a little girl who hated being cooped up. Finally, our destination would come into sight and excitement would overtake the restlessness brought on by the summer heat and humidity and the wind blowing through open windows. We were there!

Waiting for an answer to prayer can be a lot like one of those long, hot car rides that seems to go on forever while the scenery around us seems to follow along no matter how we try to speed ahead and lose it in the rear-view mirror! It takes faith, courage, and hope in a good future with God to persevere when we are in a time of waiting.

David could sympathize with any one of us who feel this way at times in our journey. The Psalms are filled with many of his wondering words to God– “are we there yet?”

But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13

Anxiously awaiting the end of a long journey requires patience not just for little ones in the backseat of a car, but for men and women waiting on God’s timing to see answers to their heartfelt prayers. But be encouraged, God understands our frustrations and even our dwindling faith. He only asks that we continue to trust and take the journey with Him.