Embracing the Waiting Season

Waiting has been part of this world since the beginning of time. Did God not wait until the correct time to put humans on Earth? He could’ve placed us on the Earth before the animals were here, but He didn’t. He knew what we would need to survive and created us at the right time.

God’s timing is perfect. He exists outside of time while we judge time by worldly standards. The world rushes in the need to make the most of this life, and God seems still in comparison, but He is not slow in acting, nor is He fast, but He acts at precisely the right moment even if it doesn’t seem like it to us.

We see an example of this in John 11:17-44. Lazarus had fallen ill, and by the time Jesus arrived, he had died. Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha complained to Jesus, saying if he’d come sooner, then Lazarus would still be living. So it does seem that Jesus was late, but he was right on time, as we see in John 11:14-15:

“So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe.”
John 11:14-15

Believe in what you may ask? In Lazarus’s resurrection, which we witness in John 11:44,

“The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth.” (John 11:44)
John 11:44

This miracle wouldn’t have happened had Jesus arrived before Lazarus’ death, and people wouldn’t have seen God’s power at work. So next time you have to wait, remember that there may be something you don’t know yet at work. God has many reasons for making us wait. And if you didn’t have enough proof of the importance of waiting, it occurs at least 245 times between 12 Bible translations and 89 times in the NIV translation. If it wasn’t important, why would it be mentioned so much?

THE PURPOSE BEHIND WAITING

The waiting season is hard; there is no doubt about it. It can drain our hope and energy and make us want to give up. But it’s important not to give up; we must keep trying and fighting, hoping for a breakthrough. We must trust God will provide during this season and that just as He brought us into this season of waiting, He will get us out of it again.

We don’t know how long these seasons will last; it could be a month, twelve months or more. It doesn’t get any easier as time goes on. But one thing happens in every waiting season regardless of what you’re waiting for: the decision to let this season break you or let it mould you and spend it well, finding joy where you can even on the most challenging days.

So why does God make us wait? There are a few reasons.

To reveal our true motives

By making us wait, our true selves are revealed, and sometimes it’s not pretty, like when you’re stuck in a traffic jam and that road rage comes out in force. When we are in a waiting season, God uses this time to weed out the people with bad intentions and those who can’t commit.

When we wait, we are faced with the choice to trust God or to turn away from Him. He tests us to see if we will endure this season and trust Him. If we endure, we are rewarded, but if we give up or choose another path, it shows that we don’t truly trust God and His plans and timing.

To build patience

God can also use the waiting season to build up our patience, which will certainly be tested to its limit during this season. God tests us in our waiting because if we have the patience to wait for small things, we can also be patient for the big things. If we can’t wait for the small things, then God won’t trust us to wait for the big things.

To build anticipation

Have you ever waited so long for something that when the time came around, you were all excited, and you treasured every moment? That’s what God does for us in the waiting season. He makes us wait to build anticipation for what is coming. We may not know what it is yet, but the longer it takes, the higher that anticipation will be. And the longer you have to wait, the more you will treasure it when the time comes.

To change our character

By the end of waiting seasons, we often find ourselves different from who we were initially; sometimes, this is the goal God wanted all along. Take Moses, for example; Moses was still young when he fled Egypt after it became known that he had murdered someone. Forty years later, God comes to him to tell him to return. Forty years later, no one is the same after one year, never mind forty. By the time God came to Moses, Moses was a completely different person; his rough edges had been smoothed. God can use this time of waiting to transform you.

To build our intimacy and dependency on Him

When was the last time you devoted time to God that you weren’t distracted by something or rushed through it because you had something else to do? For many of us, the answer is not recently. God sometimes brings us into a waiting season to give us more time to devote to Him; sometimes, He isolates us in order to do so. The point is when we don’t make time for God, sometimes He makes it happen. God wants a relationship with us, and we need to make time for Him so we can give Him our undivided attention.

When we read the Bible, what do we see? In Psalms, we see the rejoicing and the laments of David. We see gratitude and frustration. Every emotion appears in the Bible at some point, and when does this happen? Quite often, in times of vulnerability and isolation. Such intimacy with God doesn’t happen overnight but over time, and God uses the waiting season to draw us closer to Him, to develop that intimacy which leads to a higher dependency on Him.

When I think of someone who has developed intimacy with God, I think of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She was so dependent on God and prioritised Him so much that when Jesus was near, she was at his feet listening to him speak, disregarding the chores that needed to be done. Mary knew what was more important and what would please God, and she did it, even if it meant her sister was mad at her.

Now we know some of the reasons we may be in a waiting season, how can we make the most of it?

MAKING THE MOST OF THE WAITING SEASON

PRIORITISE TIME WITH GOD

Everyone’s waiting season looks different; maybe you’re waiting for God to provide your next job so you have more time on your hands, or perhaps you’re waiting for God to lead you to the one you’re going to marry. Whatever the situation is, it’s essential to prioritise time with God in this season.

Prayer, worship, and getting into the Word will be essential, not that you shouldn’t be doing it anyway, but life does get in the way sometimes. But in this season of waiting, it’s even more important because when we’re going through hard times, this is when we should draw near to God the most; when we don’t, it’s easier to lose hope.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105

God’s Word is a light; it shows us the way, and if we’re not reading our Bibles, how will we hear God’s voice? How will we know what God wants us to change or when is the time to act? The more time we spend with God reading His Word, the easier it will become for us to discern His voice from all the rest and understand what He wants us to do in this season.

Sometimes, the waiting season’s purpose is to bring you closer to God, and if you’re not spending time with God, how can you expect that intimacy to develop?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways. This is the Lord’s declaration. For as heaven is higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9

If we want to prioritise God more, should we not start with our thoughts? Focus your thoughts on God; I challenge you. Whenever you think of something you shouldn’t, think of God. Every moment there is nonsense going through your mind, think of God. Every time you feel happy or grateful, thank God for it.

The more we think of God, the better off we will be. The more we think of God, the harder it is for the lies to creep in. Let God consume your waking moments for a day and reflect on how it made you feel at night. Putting God first in our thoughts will make it much easier to put Him first in everything else.

SURRENDER TO HIS PLAN & TIMING

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act.”
Psalm 37:5

Do you trust God? Now is the time to prove it by surrendering all your plans, hopes and dreams to Him. Let God lead you through every step of your life and support and provide for you in this season. Let Him prepare you for what is to come.

“A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24

God knows what lies ahead and the plans He has for you. If you don’t know what it is, trust it will be revealed in time. Or maybe you do, but it is not the time to act; be patient because God will tell you when. He wouldn’t give you false hope, only a promise to be fulfilled.

“For I know the plans I have for you – this is the lord’s declaration – plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe you feel weak right now, lost and confused. You don’t know what to do, and you feel overwhelmed. Let me promise you that this feeling will pass. The Lord will reveal your next steps to you in time; He will give you comfort and peace in the confusion of waiting. Trust in Him and His promises.

“but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Isaiah 40:31

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14

I know it’s hard, but don’t lose hope; keep your eyes on the one who gave you life and wait for Him. He will lead you through this. Trust Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

BE THANKFUL

This season can make us lose hope and joy so fast, so it’s important to be thankful for what we have.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Learn to be content with what you have in this season; you may desire more but learn to live with what you have so that you will appreciate when you do have more.

“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know both how to make do with little and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13

Be thankful for each day you wake up because it is another opportunity to serve God and the people around you. Be grateful for the breath in your lungs and the food you eat. There is so much to be thankful for that we often take for granted, like the house we live in and the beauty of the world around us. Why not take a moment now to list the things you are thankful for today?

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

SERVE OTHERS

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”
Galatians 5:13

If you have more time in this waiting season, why not give some of your time to volunteering with a church group or charity or maybe even a local event? Use this time to serve others, and perhaps you’ll open the door to an unexpected opportunity or idea, but most importantly, you will have shown some kindness and love to people who don’t get enough of it.

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.”
1 Peter 4:10-11

God gave you skills and talents not for your own gain but to benefit others. Use this time to develop those gifts and serve others with them.

SEEK COMMUNITY

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

We weren’t made to live life alone. Humans are sociable creatures of varying degrees; even introverts crave social connection sometimes. In difficult seasons of life, it can be easy to isolate ourselves, but this isn’t always the best idea. When we spend too much time alone, we can find that lies like ‘this season will never end’ or ‘God doesn’t hear me’ will sneak in and mess with our minds. This is why we need Christian community or at least one or two friends we can always count on to support us and encourage us with the truth.

“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25

We must be cautious of who we trust because sometimes people aren’t who they say they are and may do us more harm than good. Surround yourself with God-loving and fearing people who will pray for you, who don’t just go to church but have the Holy Spirit inside them. Ask God for help to discern who your true friends are, and if you don’t have any right now, pray that He will lead you to a good Christian community and people you can trust.

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise; but a companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Proverbs 13:20

LET GOD PREPARE YOU FOR WHAT IS AHEAD

“Therefore, my dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace.”
2 Peter 3:14

God has plans for you, which may be greater than you could imagine. Whatever God has planned for you, He is using this season to prepare you for what is ahead. So endure the hard times and spend time with Him daily, and I mean more than just glancing at the verse of the day in your Bible app. At least start a plan and follow it. Be intentional in spending time with you, and let God’s Word change you.

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”
Romans 5:3-4

Even in the good times, be disciplined in your time with God. Be disciplined in other things, too, like getting outside and exercising, because it is important to keep your body healthy even if you don’t feel like doing so.

God will reward your faithfulness; he knows everything you are going through and sees how hard some days are for you. He loves you for trying and appreciates every moment you spend with Him, even if it is only a few minutes. Those few minutes are better than none.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience. Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.”
Galatians 5:22-23

By the end of this waiting season, others may be able to see something has changed within you, especially if you have been spending a lot more time with God and applying His Word to your life. You may not see this change as clearly as others do, and some people may not like it, but keep your trust in God because He has brought you this far. Be obedient to Him in all things, even if no one understands the path He is leading you down, because we were not made to conform to the world; God wants us to stand out so that we can lead others to Him.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2

REASONS YOU’RE STILL IN A WAITING SEASON

Maybe you’ve been waiting for a long time and wonder why God hasn’t brought you out of the waiting season yet. Maybe you feel stuck and don’t know what to do. If this is you, take it to God in prayer, pour yourself out to Him and be open to any response from Him, even if it’s not something you want or expect. Give yourself time to sit in the silence and let God know you’re ready and willing to listen and be obedient to Him.

“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8

If you are still waiting, there may be a reason why.

It might be that God is still preparing you for what is to come, and it’s simply not time yet.

Perhaps you’re facing a choice, a difficult one, and you don’t know what to do, and you’ve been praying with no answer. If this is you today, find peace in knowing that whatever you choose, God will be with you in every step, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Maybe it seems like only bad options in front of you right now, but you don’t know what will happen. It’s time to choose because God may be waiting for you to make your decision before He acts. Move in faith, and God will lead you safely through.

Maybe you’re worried and afraid about an opportunity that comes up and tempted to stay where you are because it is known to you, and you would miss it. But God has given you this opportunity for a reason. Would you regret it in the future if you turned it down? It’s something worth thinking about.

“for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5

Whatever your situation and the choices you may face. Do not let fear paralyse you, and find comfort in this truth. If it is from God, you will have peace when you choose; if you do not, God will help you get back to where you’re meant to be. He will never leave you or forsake you, remember that. Also, remember that what God has planned for you may not be what you want or expect, and if your choices reflect that, it just may help you choose the right one.

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

It could be that you’re still waiting because of your choices; perhaps you’ve made an idol out of something, and you haven’t been hearing God. You won’t move out of this season until that idol is gone; whatever desire you’ve been placing above God, it’s time to let it God and surrender it to God. He’s waiting for you to repent and return to Him today. He loves you and wants the best for you. Take a moment now to speak to God and put things right with Him.

Is there someone you need to forgive today? It could be something so simple holding you back from moving forward, and if it feels impossible to forgive that person, ask God for help to forgive them.

Or maybe you’ve just been making excuses not to do whatever God has asked you to do, and so you tell everyone you’re still waiting, but on the inside, you know the truth. It may be challenging, but the time for excuses is ending. It’s time to be obedient to God. If you don’t feel strong enough or qualified, that’s okay cause God is on your side, and He will help you.

You could have a lesson or two you need to learn before this season ends, or it could be that God is still healing you of past wounds and traumas. Give God time to do His work, and allow Him to finish making you whole before you go rushing into the next thing.

Lastly, you may not even be in a waiting season. It may just feel like it. If you feel more isolated and have more time, it could just be that God wants you to embrace a quiet season with Him. So take some time to enjoy it. As joyful as the busier times are, the quieter seasons are just as important.

Know that if you are in a waiting season, you are not alone; God is with you, and many people across the world are in the same season right now. Take comfort from the fact that so many people in the Bible went through waiting seasons: Sarah, Joseph, Rebekah, Noah, and Paul are just a few—even Jesus himself. God brought them through, and He will do the same with you. Keep on hoping; your wait may end sooner than you think and with better results than you hope for.

SOURCES OF INSPIRATION:

Lufuankenda, D. (2023) How To Thrive In The Waiting Season. Available at: HOW TO THRIVE IN THE WAITING SEASON – For All Is Through Him [Accessed 20 November 2023]

Rhodes, S. (2022) 3 Proven Steps To Assure Your Waiting Season Is Not Wasted. Available at: 3 Proven Steps to Assure Your Waiting Season is Not Wasted (sydneyrhodes.co) [Accessed 20 November 2023]

Baker, K. (2023) 5 Reasons You’re Still In A Season Of Waiting. Available at: 5 Reasons You’re Still in a Season of Waiting – Kelly R Baker [Accessed 20 November 2023]

Speir, E. (2023) 5 Reasons God Makes Us Wait. Available at: Five Reasons God Makes Us Wait – RELEVANT (relevantmagazine.com) [Accessed 21 November 2023]

Quick-Advices. (2019) How many times does wait appear in the Bible? Available at: How many times does wait appear in the Bible? – Quick-Advices [Accessed 21 November 2023]

Knowing Jesus. (2023) Wait in the Bible. Available at: Wait in the Bible (245 instances) (knowing-jesus.com) [Accessed 21 November 2023]

Embracing the Waiting Season