by Cindy Phillips
Waiting is hard. Nobody likes feeling stuck, waiting for answers, healing, direction, or something you’ve been praying about for a long time. In a world that moves fast, waiting can feel like God forgot about you, He doesn’t care or He’s just not listening. But Scripture shows us something different: waiting is not wasted time — it’s often where God does a deep work in us.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles…” Notice it doesn’t say people who rush ahead get renewed. Those who wait get refreshed. Waiting on God isn’t passive. Waiting is a space where He strengthens your faith, your patience and your character.
Think about people in the Bible who had to wait. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and compare it to what you are waiting for.
• Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for God’s promise of a child (Genesis 21).
• Joseph waited through betrayal and prison before God raised him up (Genesis 37–41).
• David was anointed king but spent 15 years waiting before wearing the crown (1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 5).
Their waiting seasons were actually preparation seasons. God was shaping them so they could handle what He had planned.
Sometimes waiting in silence feels like nothing is happening. But Psalm 27:14 reminds us: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.” Courage grows when we trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.
Waiting also teaches us dependence. Lamentations 3:25–26 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him… it is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Waiting invites us to slow down, pray more deeply, and trust God’s timing over our own plans.
So this week, if you find yourself impatient during the waiting, try shifting your mindset. Instead of asking, “Why is nothing happening?” or “Why isn’t God speaking” ask, “What might God be growing in me right now?” Maybe it’s patience. Maybe resilience. Maybe a deeper relationship with Him.
Let waiting become a place where your faith grows stronger — because God is never late, and He is always faithful. God’s Word is real and His promises sure.