Waiting can be one of the most difficult parts of the Christian faith. When we pray earnestly for something and don’t see an answer, it’s natural to wonder if God is really listening or if He has a plan to fulfill our request. How can we know for sure whether God is simply making us wait rather than denying our petition altogether?
Why Does God Make Us Wait?
There are several reasons why God may make us wait for an answer to prayer:
- To build our faith and trust in Him
- To align our desires with His perfect will
- To prepare us for what He wants to give us
- To develop spiritual fruit like patience in our lives
- To make sure we are praying according to His will
- To allow time for His sovereign plan to unfold
In essence, God makes us wait because His timing and purposes are perfect, and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Waiting strengthens our faith and refines our motives so that we pray rightly and receive blessings in their proper time.
Signs God Is Making You Wait
How can you know for certain that God is simply making you wait rather than denying your request? Here are some signs:
- You have prayed consistently and earnestly about the matter
- You have examined your heart and motives
- You have sought godly counsel and wisdom
- You have tried to align your will with God’s in the situation
- You have looked for ways God may be trying to prepare you
- You have a sense of God’s peace about waiting
- You see God’s hand at work around you in other ways
- You have Scriptural promises that apply to your request
Together these signs indicate that God is at work even though the answer is not yet visible. Keep praying in faith and thanking God that His timing is perfect. Avoid trying to rush or manipulate outcomes. The wait is meant for your good and God’s glory.
Benefits of Waiting on God
Waiting on God can be very difficult in our fast-paced world. However, Scripture promises many blessings for those who wait on the Lord:
- Renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31)
- Mounting up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31)
- Ability to run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31)
- Capacity to walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31)
- Inheritance of the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12)
- Joy in God’s perfect timing (Psalm 37:7)
- Increased faith through tests and trials (Romans 5:3-4)
- Hope and confidence in God’s faithfulness (Psalm 130:5-6)
- Opportunity to glorify God (Psalm 62:5)
As we wait, God also reminds us that His timing and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the full picture and orchestrates events for our eternal good and His great glory. The wait is always worth it!
What to Do While You Wait on God
Waiting can feel passive, but it should prompt us to action. Here are some positive steps to take during waiting seasons:
- Pray consistently and seek God’s face
- Renew your trust in God’s perfect plan
- Study, memorize, and meditate on Scripture
- Examine your heart and repent of any sin
- Pursue deeper intimacy with Christ
- Engage in small acts of obedience and service
- Avoid complaining or striving to make things happen
- Express gratitude and praise to God
- Look for how God may be shaping your character
Although difficult, the wait can be filled with purpose when we use it to draw closer to God. He will fill our waiting with His presence, strength and hope if we continuously turn to Him.
Examples of Biblical Figures Who Waited on God
Many key figures in the Bible had to endure long waits for God’s promises. Their examples help give perspective and encouragement:
- Abraham: Waited 25 years for the promised son Isaac to be born (Genesis 12-21)
- Joseph: Waited over 10 years in prison on false charges before being exalted (Genesis 37-41)
- Moses: Waited 40 years in exile before God called him as deliverer of Israel (Exodus 2-3)
- David: Waited over 15 years from his anointing until he became king (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 5)
- Job: After losing everything, waited months for God’s purposes to be revealed (Book of Job)
If such biblical giants had to wait, we should not expect to avoid waiting on God. Take heart, because He is with you in the wait!
Prayers for Waiting on God
Here are some sample prayers for different situations when you are waiting on God:
Prayer for Guidance
Lord, I feel lost and unsure which direction to take right now. I want to wait on You for clear guidance, so I ask for wisdom and discernment. Open and close the doors needed to put me on Your chosen path. Give me patience and faith to trust Your timing. Teach me Your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Provision
Father, thank You that You know exactly what I need and when I need it. I don’t see the provision right now, but I believe You have a perfect plan to supply for me. Help me wait patiently and trust You fully. Remind me of times You provided in the past. I choose to fix my eyes on You, not my circumstances. Thank You for being my Provider. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Healing
God, I pray earnestly for healing from this illness/injury. Give wisdom to the doctors. Renew my strength so I can endure the symptoms and treatment plans. Fill me with Your peace and comfort me in pain. Use this trial to refine my faith and draw me closer to You. Help me wait hopefully, looking forward to complete healing in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for a Life Partner
Lord, I long to meet the life partner You have planned for me. Prepare me to become the man/woman You want me to be while I wait. Lead me to develop godly character, wisdom, and understanding. Give me patience and faith to trust Your timing and selection. Help me find purpose and contentment in You alone. Thank You for caring so deeply about my life and future spouse. I choose to wait on You expectantly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Waiting With Joy and Hope
Waiting can stretch our faith and test our trust in new ways. But God promises blessings to those who wait on Him that far outweigh temporary discomforts. He exchanges our human understanding for divine perspective. Our finite view yields to His infinite knowledge and flawless plans.
We can wait with joy and hope, not just resignation, when we remember God’s character: He is good, sovereign, wise, faithful, merciful, loving, and just. He causes everything in our lives – including waits – to work for our eternal good and His great glory.
Keep seeking God’s face during seasons of waiting. He will draw you closer to Himself and refine your faith through the fire of delays. Allow waits to make you, not break you. His grace is sufficient for every moment. Ultimately, waiting deepens our worship and partnership with the One who is truly worth waiting for!
Conclusion
Waiting on God can be confusing, but we can have confidence that He hears our prayers. God makes us wait so that we can become more like Christ and align our desires with His will. If we pray persistently, seek godly counsel, obey God’s Word, and look for how He is shaping our character, we will see signs that He is actively working during our wait. Scriptural heroes like Abraham had to endure decades of waiting, reminding us that God’s timing is perfect. We can fill our wait by pursuing spiritual disciplines, serving others, giving thanks, and praying focused prayers for guidance, provision, healing, or other needs. Though hard, the wait is temporary. Our joy will be great when God’s perfect answer is revealed in His perfect timing and way. Resting in who God is makes waiting hopeful, not discouraging. His plans are trustworthy and for our eternal good and His unrivaled glory.