As believers, we must embrace the art of patience and the power of trust as we wait on God's timing. Just as the farmer waits for the harvest, your dreams and blessings will ripen in due season, for His plan is always worth the wait. We often find ourselves amid a whirlwind of desires, dreams, and aspirations. We strive to achieve our goals, meet our deadlines, and realize our plans. But amidst it all, there are moments when we encounter delays, detours, and even disappointments that challenge our faith. It is during these times we must learn the art of waiting on God's timing—a journey that is both transformative and rewarding. Never forget the beautiful words from the Book of Isaiah 40:31, which states,
" But 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.”
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What does it mean to wait on God?
In the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded,
"For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."
Just as the changing seasons bring a rhythm to nature, so does God's perfect timing orchestrate the unfolding of our lives. While we might not always comprehend the reasons for delays or setbacks, we can rest assured that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Waiting on God's timing does not mean sitting idly by or being complacent. On the contrary, it is an active and faith-filled posture. It involves diligently pursuing our goals and dreams while trusting that God's hand guides every step we take. Just as the psalmist declares in Psalm 37:34, "Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed," we are called to remain steadfast in our obedience and service to God.
The process of waiting may be filled with challenges and moments of doubt. It is only human to question why things aren't happening as quickly as we'd like or why we face unexpected detours. However, it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is strengthened. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see." When we wait on God's timing, we trust in His divine wisdom and sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem unclear.
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Trust God's plan for the future.
I want to share with you some profound lessons I've learned in my faith journey, lessons that have shaped my understanding of waiting on God's timing. Picture this: a hopeful heart, dreams of finding a suitable marriage partner, and a deep desire to build a life filled with love and companionship. However, the road to my heart's desire was far from smooth, and I faced a series of challenges that put my faith to the test. In my quest to find my soulmate, I encountered unexpected delays that left me wondering if love was meant to be elusive for me. Time seemed to drag on, and it felt like every potential relationship came to a painful end, leaving me with a heart weighed down by disappointment.
Deep within my spirit, the gentle whisper of God's voice kept urging me to trust Him, have faith, and wait on His perfect timing. It wasn't easy, as the world around me continued to pressure me into rushing and settling for less than what my heart truly desired. Yet I chose to step back and take a long break, determined to seek God's will and direction for my love life. During this season of waiting, I immersed myself in prayer and sought solace in God's Word. Psalm 37:7 resonated deeply within me:
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."
So, with unwavering faith, I surrendered my desires to Him, confident He knew the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4) and was orchestrating a beautiful love story beyond my imagination. And then, when I least expected it, God's hand of providence revealed itself most miraculously. He brought an incredible lady into my life, one who met my expectations and exceeded them. Her heart was kind, her spirit was gentle, and her love was a gift from heaven.
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Grow in gratitude for God's blessing.
As our love blossomed, so did God's provision in every aspect of my life. Finances, once a source of concern, were now showered with abundance. I saw the truth of Philippians 4:19 unfold before my eyes:
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
It was awe-inspiring to witness God's faithfulness and to know He was not only orchestrating our love story but also taking care of every detail. When the time came to take the leap of faith and tie the knot, God's hand was evident in every step of the journey. I stood before the altar with a heart full of love and the knowledge that God had brought us together. He had given me a partner to share life's joys and challenges with, someone to walk hand in hand with as we navigated life's beautiful tapestry together.
It was a colorful wedding, a celebration of love, and a testament to the power of waiting on God's perfect timing. Amid the laughter and joy, I knew that the Creator of Love Himself divinely wrote our love story. And as we embarked on this new chapter of our lives, I vowed never to forget the lessons learned in waiting: the beauty of patience, the strength of faith, and the promise of God's goodness.
Today, my amazing wife and I stand side by side, walking hand in hand, still believing in the power of waiting on God's plan. Our journey continues with its ups and downs, but we face it all with the confidence we are not alone; we have a God who walks with us, guides us, and blesses us beyond measure. If you find yourself amid a waiting season, take heart and be encouraged. Trust in the One who holds your heart in His hands, for He knows your soul's desires. Embrace the art of patience, seek His guidance, and rest assured that His timing is always perfect. For it is in the waiting we discover the miracles of God's love, and in His plan, we find the true desires of our hearts fulfilled.
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Develop a strong faith.
The waiting process can be both challenging and rewarding, and two essential virtues that play a pivotal role during this period are faith and patience. Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It is the unwavering belief He is present, cares for us deeply, and has good plans for our lives. Hebrews 11:1 beautifully defines faith:
"Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see."
In the waiting process, faith sustains us when our prayers seem unanswered, and our dreams appear distant. When we hold onto faith, we build a profound trust in God's timing and His ways. We may not fully comprehend His plan, but our faith assures He is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events in our favor. Faith enables us to relinquish our need for control and surrender to God's sovereignty, knowing His wisdom surpasses our understanding (Isaiah 55:9).
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Practice patience in the process.
Patience is a virtue that is often tested in the waiting process. It is the ability to endure delays, setbacks, and uncertainties without losing hope or becoming disheartened. In the Bible, James 1:3–4 reminds us of the refining nature of patience:
"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
Patience is not passive resignation but an active stance of endurance. It equips us to withstand the trials of waiting to keep moving forward with perseverance. In the waiting process, we may encounter obstacles and moments of doubt, but patience keeps us anchored in the truth that God's promises will come to pass. Faith and patience are interconnected, each bolstering the other. Faith provides the foundation on which patience can thrive, and patience nurtures our faith, allowing it to grow stronger. As we patiently wait, our faith is refined and deepened, and as our faith deepens, patience becomes more steadfast. This symbiotic relationship between faith and patience is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 27:14:
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
God strengthens our hearts and fortifies our faith as we wait with courage and trust.
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Strategies to cope with frustration and delay.
Waiting can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially when delays and disappointments seem to be the order of the day. However, there are effective strategies to cope with these emotions and navigate the waiting period gracefully and patiently.
Surrender. Remember that waiting is an inevitable part of life and that not everything is within our control. Embrace the art of patience and surrender to God's timing. Trust He has a plan, even if it doesn't align with our immediate desires. Surrendering to God's will allows us to find peace amid uncertainty.
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Shift your focus.
Instead of dwelling on what's lacking or hasn't happened yet, shift our focus to the present and the positive aspects of our lives. Count blessings, cultivate gratitude, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Focusing on the good brings a sense of contentment and helps alleviate frustration.
Turn to prayer and meditation on God’s words as a means of finding solace and seeking guidance. Communicating with God can bring comfort, clarity, and renewed strength to face the waiting period with faith and hope. As we pour our hearts into prayer, we open ourselves to divine peace and wisdom.
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Practice self-compassion.
Be kind to ourselves during the waiting process. Recognize it is normal to experience frustration and disappointment. Avoid self-criticism or negative self-talk; instead, treat ourselves with the same compassion and understanding we would extend to a friend in a similar situation.
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Set realistic expectations.
Evaluate our expectations and ensure they are reasonable and attainable. Sometimes, our frustration stems from expecting too much in too little time. Adjusting our expectations can alleviate pressure and make the waiting period more manageable.
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Focus on personal growth.
Use the waiting period as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Invest in learning new skills, setting goals, or pursuing personal development. Redirecting our energy toward growth empowers us to see the waiting period as a time of preparation and progress.
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Originally published Tuesday, 22 August 2023.