Trusting God’s Timing in the Cold Seasons - Your Nightly Prayer - January 20th

Trusting God’s Timing in the Cold Seasons
Your Nightly Prayer
By Alisha Headley

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Lately, I’ve become painfully aware of how uncomfortable waiting seasons can be. The ones where prayers seem unanswered, all hope seems to be lost, and life feels like it’s at a standstill and cold. The waiting season involves patience, but even more, it tests faith. I’ve been waiting for almost 4 years for a prayer to be answered, but let’s not rush what He’s still forming, even when the stillness and the waiting feel heavy.

Tonight’s Scripture reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This verse gives meaning to our difficult waiting seasons. Cold seasons are not wasted time. They are intentional, purposeful, and often necessary for what comes next. It’s always after the fact that we see a little more of the story behind the wait, but it’s important to cling to this verse in the middle of the cold season. 

Winter in the natural world is cold, and it can feel lifeless as you spend most of your time inside, but beneath the surface, roots are strengthening, and soil is being prepared for the spring. In the same way, God often works most deeply in seasons that feel dormant and cold, as if nothing is working in your current situation. These cold seasons don’t mean God has forgotten us; it often means He is preparing us for the warmer season.

Let’s remember that when nothing seems to be happening, God may be teaching us how to rest in Him rather than rush ahead of Him.

Waiting can also feel lonely and isolating, especially when others appear to be moving forward while we remain still. I felt so lonely in my season of waiting to have my first child, when everyone around me was already having their second child. But tonight’s verse again reminds us that every season has its appointed time. Comparing timelines only steals peace. God’s timing is personal. He knows exactly when the soil is ready, when the heart is prepared, and when the fruit can be sustained for you and only you. 

I want to remind you that God is always on time. He is not slow. He’s intentional. He’s never early, never late, and never careless with our lives. When He asks us to wait, it’s not because He is withholding something good—it’s because He is protecting us or preparing us for something better – thank you, Lord.

Tonight, let’s trust that God sees beyond the present season. Trust that growth is happening even when it’s unseen. Trust that what feels like a delay is by God’s design. And when spring comes—as it always does—we often realize that the waiting shaped us into the purpose and person God has designed us to be.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear God,
Tonight, we bring You our weariness in our waiting. We feel lifeless and hopeless at times in the old season we are in. And sometimes it feels like this cold season will never go away. We’re tired, Lord. This season feels cold and quiet, and we don’t always understand Your timing. Forgive us for doubting you at times and not trusting you with this season. Tonight, we choose to trust that You are still at work in this cold season and that You promise us, as in tonight’s verse, that there will be a season after this in Your perfect timing, not our own. Help us surrender our expectations and release the urge to rush what You are still preparing. Teach us to wait with faith instead of frustration. Teach us to trust that You are faithful in every season. And when growth feels like it’s taking a toll, remind us that You are strengthening our roots. Please keep reminding us of this verse and that your timing is perfect when we begin to doubt again. Thank you, Lord, for verses like tonight as we can rest more peacefully, knowing that this cold season has purpose. We trust you, we love you, and we surrender this season to you.
In your name we pray,
Amen

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Reflect on ways this season could be strengthening your faith, character, or dependence on Him.

2. In what ways are you tempted to rush God’s timing? Notice any areas where impatience is stealing peace and gently surrender them to God.

3. Consider what it looks like to trust God fully where you are, not just where you hope to be.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FotoDuets 

Alisha Headley is a writer + speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Stepping into her true calling, she left the corporate world behind as a former-financial VP to love on her family as a stay-at-home wifey + dog mama, while also being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom + power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God’s word. In her free time, Alisha enjoys road trips around the country, working out so she can eat her favorite foods, and creatively styling her outfits with a craft for fashion. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Scottsdale, Arizona.

You can follow her blog by visiting her website alishaheadley.com or connect with her on facebook + instagram.

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