In the society we live in, we do not wait well. We live in a culture that thrives on instant gratification—getting what we desire immediately without the waiting or patience that often comes with it. Even our food fuels this desire. We have microwave meals that take only three to five minutes to prepare, the Bible available on our phones with the click of a button, and countless other conveniences that eliminate the need to wait.
Yet there are many times in life when we find ourselves in what I would call a season of waiting. We may be waiting for a promotion at work or for our boss to give us the raise we desire. We may be waiting to expand our families but facing infertility struggles. We may be waiting for test results to come back so we can stop spiraling with anxiety and worry. We wait for a new job, or we wait on a list to adopt a child. The list goes on and on, and I am sure there are many other things we can think of that we are currently waiting for or have had to wait for in the past.
Why is it so hard to wait for the things we desire? Waiting is challenging, and it requires patience. Ultimately, it comes down to placing our faith and trust in Christ during our waiting seasons—not only when we are waiting, but also when we receive what we desire and even when we do not get what we want.
The Bible speaks often about waiting and trusting in the Lord. It encourages us to trust Him even when things are not going the way we hoped. The book of Lamentations tells us, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25). God’s timing is always perfect, even when it does not align with our own expectations or desired timeline. In the meantime, we can trust that the Lord is faithful. The book of Psalms encourages and commands us to “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
Waiting is a part of life, and while we wait, we can remain confident in the Lord our God. In our seasons of waiting, the Lord offers help, comfort, and strength. As Isaiah reminds us, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18).
Have you ever felt like you have been praying and waiting, yet God has not answered? It is important to remember that God’s timing is different from ours. Our perception of time is not the same as His. Second Peter 3:8 emphasizes this truth, reminding us that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day.
If you are in a season of waiting, you are not alone. In the Christian life, we are constantly waiting on something, and those seasons can produce a deeper reliance on Christ. Do not allow your waiting season to discourage you. Instead, let it draw you closer to the One who is always faithful and always on time.
Erica Kanson, Biblical Counselor