Hello lovelies! Are you in a waiting season? Whether you’re waiting for a job, a spouse,  or a baby, waiting is hard. I’ve experienced many waiting seasons in my life, and I know it can be so hard to hold onto hope. You may ask yourself, “Why hasn’t God answered my prayers yet? What am I missing?” Waiting seasons aren’t easy, but they can teach us valuable lessons and draw us closer to God. 

Read on to learn how to trust God in a waiting season.

1. Seek God first.

If you want to enjoy your waiting season and not just survive it, you need to seek God first. Instead of rushing through your devotions, take time to sit quietly at Jesus’ feet.

In a waiting season, we are often tempted to respond in 3 sinful ways.

Apathy

Since we’re afraid that God won’t answer our prayers, we give up hope. What’s the use? To protect our hearts, we stop caring and resign ourselves to disappointment.

If you’re tempted to become apathetic, remind yourself of God’s promises. He has good things in store for you! Don’t give up!

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” 

Psalm 42:5

Anger

When our prayers go unanswered, we can also become angry and discontent. We feel that we’ve done our part by following God, so why isn’t He giving us what we want so much?

If you’re tempted to become angry, remind yourself of God’s goodness and care for you. Focus on thanking God for what you do have.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:11-13

Anxiety

When we’re waiting on God, we may worry about the future. What if God doesn’t come through for us? What if He lets something bad happen?

If you’re tempted to become anxious. remind yourself of God’s character. He is a good Father, and He will take care of you. He will never leave you or forsake you!

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

In your time with God, be honest with Him about how you’re feeling. Bring your fears, concerns, and burdens to God, and lay them at His feet. Allow Him to speak to you through His Word, and let His tender voice calm your fears.

When you truly seek God, you will be able to say one day with the psalmist, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

2. Be mindful.

When you’re waiting on God for something, you tend to focus on the object of your prayers with tunnel vision. While this is understandable, it can be frustrating and counterproductive to focus on something you don’t have.

But a simple shift in perspective can make a huge difference in your happiness and peace. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, be mindful of what you know to be true about God.

Remember God’s promises.

First, find Bible promises that you can claim for your situation. Are you praying for a job? Meditate on promises like Philippians 4:19 and Deuteronomy 8:18. Are you praying for a spouse? Think about verses like Psalm 37:4 and Proverbs 19:14.

Remember God’s past miracles.

If you’ve been a Christian for a while, look back at God’s faithfulness to you in the past. What prayers has He answered? What miracles has He done in your life? Take the time to think through those memories, and you’ll be encouraged.

Remember God’s love for you.

Although we are weak, sinful people, God loves us unconditionally. He doesn’t love us any more or less based on our performance or mistakes. Rather, He loves us in every situation, at every time, and in every place. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can separate us from God’s love.

Since God loves you so much, and He has promised to take care of you, choose to trust Him with your future and your unanswered prayer.

3. Redeem the time.

Although this waiting season may seem endless, it will not last forever. What does God want you to do in this season?

First, invest your time wisely. If you’re single, use your free time and energy to invest in building skills and serving God. If you’re praying for a spouse, prepare yourself to be the best wife (or husband) you can be. If you’re asking for a child, study what the Bible says about parenting and raising godly children. Plow your fields, and expect God to send the rain.

Next, focus on serving God in this season. How can you use your abilities and spiritual gift(s) in your church? How can you serve your family and friends? Instead of wasting this time on trivial pursuits, be a blessing by serving others. This will prepare you for the future!

Also, remember to relax and enjoy your life. Take that road trip across the country. Buy that cute dress! Host that movie night with your friends. Go out for ice cream after Wednesday night prayer meeting. Don’t wait until your prayers are answered to taste and see that the Lord is good. Enjoy life to the fullest today!

One book that really encouraged me in a waiting season is this one:

Waiting Isn’t a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life

It’s an easy read, packed with insightful questions and Scripture. It will remind you of what you know to be true about God, even when you’re unsure of what lies ahead. If you’re in a waiting season, you should definitely get a copy! I think it will encourage your heart as it did mine.

Let’s Chat:

Are you in a waiting season? If so, which of these tips resonated most with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!

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