Working in the media business located in one of the most competitive cities for the industry – Hollywood – I’ve seen the heartbreak of talented individuals struggling to find work. I watch their constant striving for survival and how they deal with disappointments over projects that seem to be a sure thing or a job or role that was green lit only to see it evaporate into thin air.

The constant wait for success is excruciating. I know one Christian woman working at a major movie studio who went through 10 interviews before she finally got hired. I prayed with her through her tears as she waited not knowing if it would ever happen. For her the final outcome was positive but for most, it’s not. The industry reeks with “I’ll give you a call next week” and “We’re waiting for just one more thing before we can make a decision”.

Our team at Cooke Pictures has been victim to some of these same empty promises, struggles, and disappointments. It’s part of the business – hurry up and wait – have it ready and finished and then… wait. This past year, my husband Phil was honored to have been one of the executive producers of the Hillsong Movie – “Let Hope Rise” (opening nationwide September 16). Like all movies, it’s been a struggle and we’ve had to live through the usual changes and delays that are typical in the industry. But in the end, I believe it will be God’s perfect timing for the film’s release.

God has His perfect timing if we don’t try and manipulate it or quit. I’ve learned to pray outside of my current frustrations and circumstances knowing that God will never meet a temporary desire if it destroys his future plans.

The story of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible is all about the wait. Ruth had to say no. She chose not to go back to her country and her family. She chose to stick with a mother-in-law, Naomi, who frankly was pretty bitter over her situation. Ruth chose to wait with her. She chose to trust in her new faith and the God of her deceased husband for her future. Ruth’s choices would eventually bring her a great grandson, David – King David. Out of her genealogy, Jesus would be born who was the biggest wait the world had ever hoped for. Today, we continue to wait for the second biggest wait – that of Jesus’s promised return.

Waiting tables in Hollywood is not where talented and gifted media and entertainment individuals want to be but the Bible assures us that, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Are you staying ready for what God has for you? Keep your running shoes on.  Your wait may soon be over.