When God Says "Wait" (And You Hate It)

 Waiting is the worst.

You pray. You seek. You know God has a plan. But instead of a green light, you get… silence. A holding pattern. A divine "Not yet."

And if you’re anything like me, your internal response is:

"But God, I’m ready NOW."

Whether it’s waiting for a job, a relationship, healing, or a breakthrough, the tension between "I trust You" and "Why is this taking so long?!" is real.

So what do we do when God says "Wait"—and everything in us wants to rush ahead?

1. Remember: Waiting Isn’t Wasting

In a world of instant everything, waiting feels like failure. But in God’s economy, waiting is active preparation.

"But those who wait on 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."
— Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

Every delay has a purpose. Moses waited 40 years in the desert before leading Israel. Joseph waited in prison before saving a nation. David waited years to become king—even after being anointed.

Your waiting season isn’t a pause button—it’s training ground.

2. Ask: "What Can I Learn Here?"

Instead of just counting days, ask God:

• "What are You teaching me in this season?"
• "What do You want to refine in me?"
• "How can I grow closer to You while I wait?"

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
— James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Maybe God is building patience. Maybe He’s protecting you from what’s ahead. Maybe He’s preparing someone else who’s part of your story.

Don’t waste the wait.

3. Fight the "What If" Spiral

Waiting breeds doubt:

• "What if God forgot about me?"
• "What if I missed my chance?"
• "What if this never happens?"

Here’s the truth: God’s delays are not His denials.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you..."
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

When anxiety creeps in, combat it with truth:

• God is never late.
• His plans are better than yours.
• If He said it, He’ll do it.

4. Serve While You Wait

One of the best ways to endure a waiting season? Get your eyes off yourself.

• Volunteer.
• Encourage someone else.
• Invest in what’s in front of you right now.

"Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Some of the most fruitful ministries, careers, and relationships were birthed while someone was waiting for something else.

5. Trust the One Who Sees the Whole Picture

We see right now. God sees the full story.

What feels like a delay might be divine protection. What looks like a "no" might be a "I have something better."

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
— Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

You don’t have to understand—you just have to trust.

When the Wait Feels Too Heavy

Some days, the weight of waiting crushes you. That’s okay. Tell God:

"I don’t get it. This hurts. But I choose to trust You anyway."

And then? Do the next right thing. One step. One prayer. One day at a time.

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
— Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

A Prayer for the Waiting Season

"God, I hate waiting. But I trust You. Help me to rest in Your timing, not mine. Teach me what You want me to learn. And when the time is right, give me the courage to step forward. Until then, hold my heart close. Amen."

You’re not alone in the wait.

What’s something you’re waiting on right now? Drop it in the comments—let’s pray for each other.