Trusting God's Timing: How to Wait Well

Let Your Waiting Say, “I Trust You”

Waiting can be frustrating, especially when we have strong desires that have not been met. We may wonder why God is taking so long to answer our prayers or why he seems to be silent. However, waiting is an essential part of the Christian journey. It teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to rely on his timing.

Why Waiting is Hard

Waiting can be difficult because we live in a culture that values instant gratification. We want what we want, and we want it now. We have become accustomed to getting what we want when we want it, and waiting challenges that expectation.

Furthermore, waiting can be painful, especially when we are waiting for something that we really want. It can be hard to watch others receive the things that we desire while we are still waiting. We may feel left behind or forgotten by God. We may even question if he hears our prayers.

What the Bible Says About Waiting

The Bible has a lot to say about waiting. In fact, waiting is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. It is often during times of waiting that God reveals himself to his people in powerful ways.

One of the most well-known examples of waiting in the Bible is the story of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and spent years in prison before God elevated him to a position of power in Egypt. During his time in prison, Joseph learned to trust in God's sovereignty and timing. He said to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Another example of waiting in the Bible is the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but he and Sarah were childless for many years. They waited for decades before God finally fulfilled his promise and gave them a son, Isaac. Through their waiting, Abraham and Sarah learned to trust in God's faithfulness even when his promises seemed impossible.

Waiting is not just a theme in the Old Testament. The New Testament also speaks to the importance of waiting. In Acts 1, Jesus tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. They waited and prayed for ten days before the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost.

How to Wait Well

So, how can we wait well? How can we trust in God's sovereignty and timing when we are waiting for something that we really want? Here are a few principles to keep in mind:

1. Remember that God is in Control

God is sovereign over all things, including our desires and our waiting. He is working all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Remembering that God is in control can give us peace and help us to trust in his timing.

2. Pray Boldly

It is okay to pray boldly about the desires of our hearts. God wants us to come to him with our requests (Philippians 4:6). However, we should also be willing to submit to his will and his timing. Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). We should pray with the same attitude of submission.

3. Focus on God's Character

When we are waiting, it can be easy to focus on our circumstances and our desires. However, it is important to focus on God's character. God is faithful, loving, and just. He has a plan for our lives that is good and perfect (Jeremiah 29:11). Focusing on God's character can give us hope and help us to trust in his timing.

4. Serve Others

While we are waiting, we can use our time to serve others. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Serving others can help us to take our eyes off of our own desires and focus on the needs of others.

5. Look for God's Work in Your Life

God is always at work in our lives, even when we are waiting. We should look for the ways that God is using our waiting to shape us and mold us into the people he wants us to be. James writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).

Conclusion

Waiting is hard, but it is an essential part of the Christian journey. It teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to rely on his timing. As we wait, we should remember that God is in control, pray boldly, focus on his character, serve others, and look for his work in our lives. Let your waiting say, "I trust you, God."