Why Does God Make Me Wait? Understanding the Purpose of Waiting in Faith

If God Loves Me, Why Am I Still Waiting?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you have been praying for something for years, but it seems like God is not answering? You might wonder why, despite your faith and trust in God, your prayers remain unanswered. This can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially when you see others receiving answers to their prayers while you continue to wait.

As a fellow believer who has been asking God for healing from a medical condition for over twenty years, I understand the struggle. I want to share with you my journey and the lessons I have learned along the way.

Trusting God in the Midst of Waiting

When we face prolonged waiting periods, it is essential to remember that God's love for us is unwavering. He is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it or understand it (Romans 8:28). We can trust in His character and His promises, knowing that He is faithful.

Trusting God does not mean we will always understand His ways. His thoughts and plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). We may not comprehend why He allows certain circumstances or delays in answering our prayers, but we can trust that He has a purpose and a perfect timing.

Learning from Jesus' Example

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see His compassion and willingness to heal those who came to Him. He performed miracles and demonstrated His power over sickness and disease. However, it is essential to remember that Jesus' primary mission was not to heal everyone physically but to bring salvation and eternal life through His sacrificial death on the cross (John 3:16).

Jesus also experienced waiting and unanswered prayers. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed fervently to God, asking Him to take away the cup of suffering. However, God's plan was for Jesus to endure the cross for the redemption of humanity. Jesus submitted to the Father's will, even though it meant enduring the pain and suffering (Luke 22:42).

Just as Jesus trusted the Father's plan and timing, we can follow His example and trust that God knows what is best for us. Our waiting may have a purpose that goes beyond our immediate desires.

The Blessing of Spiritual Growth

While waiting can be challenging, it also provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. In the waiting, we learn patience, perseverance, and reliance on God. Our faith deepens as we continue to seek Him and trust Him, even when our prayers seem unanswered.

James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. The waiting period can refine our character and strengthen our relationship with God. As we lean on Him, we experience His grace and presence in a deeper way.

Praying with Persistence

Even in the face of unanswered prayers, we are called to persist in prayer. Jesus taught His disciples the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8). The widow kept going to the unjust judge, seeking justice. Eventually, the judge granted her request because of her persistence.

Similarly, we are encouraged to keep praying, trusting that God hears our prayers and will answer according to His perfect will (1 John 5:14-15). Our persistence in prayer demonstrates our faith and dependence on Him.

Embracing God's Sovereignty

As we continue to wait for answers to our prayers, it is crucial to remember that God is sovereign. He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, and His timing is perfect. Our limited understanding may not grasp why certain things are delayed or denied, but we can have confidence in God's wisdom and sovereignty.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that, "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." While we may have our own plans and desires, ultimately, God is in control. He knows what is best for us and will guide us according to His perfect plan.

Seeking God's Will Above Our Own

While it is natural to desire our prayers to be answered according to our own will, we must align our hearts with God's will. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your will be done" (Matthew 6:10). When we surrender our desires to God and seek His will above our own, we open ourselves up to His perfect plan.

God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans are beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). By trusting in His wisdom and seeking His will, we position ourselves to receive His blessings according to His perfect timing.

Conclusion

Waiting for answers to our prayers can be challenging and may test our faith. However, it is in these waiting periods that our trust in God is strengthened, our character is refined, and our relationship with Him deepens.

Though we may not always understand why God delays or denies our requests, we can have confidence in His love, faithfulness, and sovereignty. As we persist in prayer, seek His will, and trust in His perfect timing, we can rest assured that He is working all things together for our good.

So, if you find yourself still waiting for an answer to your prayer, remember that you are not alone. Trust in God, learn from Jesus' example, embrace the blessings of spiritual growth, pray with persistence, and seek God's will above your own. In due time, God will reveal His plan and purpose, and you will experience the fulfillment of His promises.