Wait on the Lord; don’t give up

Waiting can be hard, especially when life feels uncertain. I remember a season when I was desperately searching for a new job after being unexpectedly laid off. Every day, I sent out applications and prayed for an opportunity, but weeks turned into months, and it felt like nothing was happening. I questioned whether God was hearing my prayers, and the temptation to give up was overwhelming. But through that experience, I learned that waiting is not just about patience—it’s about trusting that God is working even when we can’t see it.

The challenge of waiting

Waiting on God often feels like standing at a crossroads without a map. You want answers, solutions, and breakthroughs, but sometimes it feels like nothing is changing. In moments like these, the weight of uncertainty can bring fear and frustration. 

Abraham experienced this when God promised him descendants, but years passed without a child in sight (Genesis 12:2). Waiting isn’t passive; it’s an active reliance on God’s promises, even when the outcome seems far off.

Waiting is hard because it tests your faith. When the results aren’t immediate, you’re tempted to take matters into your own hands. But Psalm 27:14 encourages us to wait for the Lord. God knows the best timing for everything, and He wants you to lean on Him during the wait.

Trusting in God’s timing

Trusting in God’s timing means surrendering your timelines and expectations to His greater plan. It’s about believing that God sees the bigger picture, even when you don’t. You often forget that while you are waiting, God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot fathom. 

In Isaiah 40:31, we’re reminded that “those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” This means that the waiting period isn’t wasted time. 

Instead, it’s a season where God is preparing you for what’s ahead, strengthening your faith, and aligning your desires with His will. When you trust in His timing, you can rest in knowing that He will fulfill His promises at the perfect moment.

Perseverance in prayer

During times of waiting, you must persevere in prayer. It’s easy to stop praying when you feel like you’ve been waiting too long for an answer. But Jesus taught us in Luke 18 about the persistent widow who kept seeking justice from an unjust judge. 

Her perseverance paid off, and Jesus used this story to encourage us to keep praying and never give up. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are instructed to “pray without ceasing.” When you persevere in prayer, you are showing your faith in God’s faithfulness. 

Prayer keeps you connected to Him, reminding you that He hears every word and sees every tear. Even when the answer is delayed, you can trust that God is listening and working everything for your good.

Prayer

Lord, help me to wait on You with a trusting heart. I admit that waiting is hard, and there are times when I want to give up, but I know that Your timing is perfect. Strengthen my faith as I wait, and remind me that You are always working for my good, even when I can’t see it. Give me the perseverance to continue in prayer and to hold onto Your promises. Help me to trust in Your plan and not my own understanding. Thank You for being a faithful and loving God who hears my prayers and will fulfill Your promises in due time. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Verse to reflect upon

Isaiah 40:31 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Weekly challenge

This week, whenever you feel anxious about something you are waiting for, pause and pray. Instead of focusing on the waiting, ask God to strengthen your faith and trust in His timing. Keep a journal of your prayers and how you see God working in small ways.

Application questions

1. What areas of your life are you currently struggling to wait on God for?

2. How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s timing when things don’t happen as quickly as you would like?

3. In what ways can you practice perseverance in prayer during seasons of waiting?

4. How does the example of Abraham or the persistent widow encourage you to keep holding onto God’s promises?

Find strength in waiting

Waiting on God is never easy, but it is always worth it. The times when you are tempted to give up are the moments when God calls you to lean into Him even more. As you wait, trust that God is at work, building your character, strengthening your faith, and preparing you for what’s ahead. Remember, God’s timing is perfect, and His plans for you are far greater than anything you could imagine. So, don’t give up—wait on the Lord and be encouraged that He will come through.