When God Says “Wait”

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” — Psalm 27:14

I once got myself into a three hour traffic jam in Lagos Nigeria because I was trying to avoid a thirty minute traffic jam on the main road. Waiting can feel like one of life’s hardest challenges. Whether it’s waiting for a job, a breakthrough, healing, or direction, it often feels like time is standing still. You pray, you hope, and yet, the answer doesn’t come as quickly as you’d like. In these moments, doubt and frustration can creep in. “Does God hear me? Has He forgotten me?” But Psalm 27:14 reminds us of a truth we often overlook—God’s delays are not His denials. In the waiting, God is working.

When God says “wait,” He’s not punishing us. He’s preparing us. Like a farmer who plants seeds and patiently waits for the harvest, God uses seasons of waiting to grow something deep and lasting in our hearts. Waiting teaches us patience, trust, and dependence on Him. It’s in these moments that we learn to let go of our timelines and surrender to His perfect plan. You may not see it now, but the waiting season is an opportunity for spiritual growth, where God strengthens your heart and deepens your faith.

Think about a child baking cookies with a parent. The child eagerly watches the timer, wishing the cookies would bake faster. But the parent knows that rushing the process would ruin the treat. In the same way, God knows the right timing for what you’re waiting for. If He’s asking you to wait, it’s because He’s preparing you for something better or refining you for what’s ahead. Trust that His timing is perfect, even when it feels slow.

Are you in a waiting season right now? Take courage. God sees you. He hasn’t forgotten you or your prayers. Instead of growing weary, use this time to draw closer to Him. Pour your heart out in prayer, meditate on His promises, and trust that He is faithful. Remember, waiting isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation for God’s best. And when the time is right, you’ll look back and see that His timing was perfect all along.

Prayer:
Father, I confess that waiting is hard, and I often want to rush ahead. Help me to trust your timing and purpose. Strengthen my heart and teach me patience as I wait on you. I know that your plans are good, and I choose to trust you even when I can’t see what you’re doing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.