Waiting Is Worth It: Trusting God's Timing for Your Dreams

Waiting Is Worth the Reward

In my early twenties, I found myself in a season of waiting. As a newlywed, full of hope and dreams, I longed to lead worship and write songs for worship. I was surrounded by talented individuals who were already living out that calling, but for me, it seemed like a dream deferred.

Feeling Stifled and Inadequate

During this time, I experienced a deep sense of being stifled and inadequate. I questioned why God had given me this desire if I couldn't fully pursue it. It felt as though my dreams were slipping through my fingers, and it left me with a heavy heart.

But as I look back on that season now, I see that God had a purpose in the waiting. He was working on my heart, shaping me into the person He wanted me to be. He had lessons to teach me, and He wanted to deepen my faith and reliance on Him.

Lessons Learned in the Waiting

One of the most significant lessons I learned during that time was the importance of trust. Trusting in God's timing, even when it didn't align with my own desires, was crucial. I had to surrender my plans and dreams to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than mine.

As I searched the Scriptures, I found encouragement in the lives of those who also experienced waiting. Abraham and Sarah waited for years for the promised child, Isaac. Joseph endured years of slavery and imprisonment before being exalted as a leader in Egypt. Even Jesus Himself waited for thirty years before beginning His public ministry.

These stories reminded me that waiting is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a time of preparation and growth. Just as a seed needs time in the ground to sprout and grow, so do our dreams and desires need time to develop and mature.

Trusting in God's Faithfulness

During the waiting, it can be easy to doubt God's faithfulness. We may question if He hears our prayers or if He even cares about our dreams. But the truth is, God is always at work, even in the waiting.

As I clung to the promises of Scripture, I found comfort in passages like Psalm 27:14, which says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" This verse reminded me that waiting requires strength and courage, but God is with us in the process.

Another passage that brought me hope was Isaiah 40:31, which says, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." This verse reminded me that as we wait on the Lord, He renews our strength and equips us for the journey ahead.

God's Perfect Timing

One of the most challenging aspects of waiting is trusting in God's perfect timing. We live in a culture that values instant gratification and immediate results. We want our dreams to come true now, but God often has a different timeline.

As I reflect on my own journey, I see how God's timing was perfect. The waiting season allowed me to develop skills and character traits that I wouldn't have acquired otherwise. It taught me perseverance, patience, and reliance on God's provision.

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." This verse reminds us that God's timing is always perfect. He knows what is best for us, and He will bring about the fulfillment of our dreams in His time and in His way.

The Reward of Waiting

While waiting can be challenging and even painful at times, there is a reward that comes from patiently trusting in God. In the waiting, we draw closer to Him, deepen our faith, and grow in character.

James 1:4 says, "Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." This verse reminds us that through steadfastness and endurance in the waiting, we are being perfected and made complete in Christ.

When the waiting finally comes to an end, and we see our dreams fulfilled, we can appreciate them even more. We understand the value of patience and the faithfulness of God. Our character has been refined, and we are better equipped to steward the blessings He has given us.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you find yourself in a season of waiting, I want to encourage you to hold on to hope. Trust in God's faithfulness and His perfect timing. Know that He is working in the waiting and that there is a reward for those who patiently endure.

Use this time to seek God's face, to grow in your relationship with Him, and to develop the skills and character traits that will prepare you for the fulfillment of your dreams. Remember the stories of those who waited before you and draw strength from their examples.

Finally, know that you are not alone in your waiting. God is with you every step of the way. He sees your faithfulness, and He will bring about the fulfillment of your dreams in His perfect time. So, wait with hope, knowing that the reward will be worth it.

May you find peace and encouragement in the waiting, and may your faith be strengthened as you trust in God's faithfulness.