Let's be honest: waiting is hard. Waiting on anything—a job, a relationship, a breakthrough, healing—can feel like an eternity. And when you're waiting on God's timing, it can feel even harder. You're trusting in something bigger than yourself, something you can't see or control.
I've been there. I've spent seasons of my life feeling stuck, wondering when God was going to answer my prayers. And I know I'm not alone. We all face those moments when we feel like we're in a divine waiting room.
But here's the truth: waiting doesn't have to be a passive experience. It doesn't have to be a time of frustration and stagnation. In fact, it can be a time of incredible growth, transformation, and even joy. The key is to shift our perspective and learn how to thrive while we wait.
So, how do we do it? Here are five ways that have helped me, and I pray they'll encourage you too:
1. Embrace the Present Moment
It's so easy to get caught up in thinking about the future, about what we want, and about when God is going to answer our prayers. But when we do that, we miss out on the beauty and the opportunities of the present moment. Philippians 4:11-13 says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." We must learn contentment and find strength in Christ in every situation.
God has you exactly where you are for a reason. He has a purpose for you right now, in this season of waiting. Your job is to bloom where you're planted, to make the most of the opportunities that are right in front of you. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This clearly emphasizes that we must learn to focus on the present day rather than worry about the uncertain future.
Even Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." This confirms that there is a specific time for everything, even waiting.
Here’s how you learn to embrace the present moments in your life: Focus on the blessings you have rather than the things you lack. Look for ways to serve others, to use your gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/GaudiLab
2. Cultivate Spiritual Practices
Waiting can be emotionally and spiritually draining. It's easy to become discouraged, to doubt God's goodness, and to lose hope. That's why it's so important to tend your soul during this time, to cultivate spiritual practices that will nourish and strengthen you. Psalm 23:3 says, "He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake." This confirms God's role in refreshing and guiding our souls.
Think of it this way: You wouldn't expect a garden to thrive if you didn't water it, weed it, and fertilize it. The same is true for your soul. You need to give it the nourishment it needs to grow.
Therefore, spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to worship music. Psalm 19:7 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." This scripture beautifully highlights the refreshing and wisdom-giving nature of God's Word, and by tapping into these practices, our souls will be deeply refreshed.
You must also connect with other believers who can encourage and support you. Meanwhile, practice silence and solitude, allowing yourself to simply be still in God's presence.
There have been times in my life when I too felt so disconnected from God, so empty and dry. And during one of these times, I decided to change my atmosphere by visiting a sick neighbor and praying with her. This boosted my faith and reconnected me with God.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
3. Redefine Your Definition of Success
Our culture often defines success in terms of achievement, recognition, and material wealth. But God's definition of success is very different. He cares more about our character than our accomplishments. He cares more about our hearts than our resumes.
Therefore, I consider waiting as an opportunity to redefine your definition of success, to align it with God's values. It's a chance for you to focus on becoming the person God wants you to be, rather than simply achieving the worldly things you want. Even a look at 1 Samuel 16:7 states, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” This is perfect proof that God's focus is on the heart, not outward appearances. He isn't interested in our worldly accomplishments but rather in our spiritual achievements.
As a true believer, you need to ask yourself questions like, What does it mean to be successful in God's eyes? How can I grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control during this time of waiting?
When I was about to begin my writing journey, I used to think that a true measure of any writer's success was the number of books they sold, the awards they won, and the recognition they received. But then I realized that those things were fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. True success, I discovered, was about using my writing to serve others, to inspire hope, and to share God's love. Galatians 5:22-23 confirms this: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." There you have it; the true measures of success are the fruits of the Spirit.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Chinnapong
4. Seek Godly Counsel and Community
Waiting can be isolating. It's easy to feel like you're the only one who's struggling, the only one who's facing unanswered prayers. That's why it's so important to seek godly counsel and connect with a supportive community.
Talk to trusted friends, family members, or mentors who can offer wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. Join a small group or a Bible study where you can connect with other believers and share your struggles.
You see, God created us for the community. We need each other to grow, to learn, and to persevere through difficult times.
This reminds me of a testimony someone gave in a service recently. When she was waiting for her husband to find a job after a layoff, she felt like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. But then the women in our church welfare group listened to her struggles, prayed for her, supported her financially and materially, and some even offered personal, practical advice. And these acts reminded her that she wasn't alone and that God was still in control. Their support was invaluable during that difficult time.
Photo Credit: ©SWN
5. Remember God's Sovereignty
Ultimately, thriving while you're waiting on God's timing comes down to trusting His sovereignty. It's about remembering that He is in control, He knows what He's doing, and that He has a good plan for your life.
Even when you can't see the path ahead, even when you don't understand why things are happening the way they are, you can trust that God is working behind the scenes. He's shaping you, molding you, and preparing you for something amazing.
And while you're at it, I need you to hold onto this truth: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
There have been countless times in my life when I didn't understand why God was allowing certain things to happen. Yes, I did question His wisdom. I doubted His love many times, and I even got angry with Him. But looking back, I can see how those difficult times shaped me, strengthened me, and prepared me for the blessings that were to come. And quite frankly, today I can confidently say that I've learned that God's timing is always perfect, even when it doesn't make sense to me.
Waiting Well: A Choice We Make
Waiting on God's timing isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be a passive, frustrating experience. It can be a time of growth, transformation, and even joy. By embracing the present moment, tending your soul, redefining your definition of success, seeking godly counsel, and trusting God's sovereignty, you can thrive while you wait.
Remember, God is with you. He loves you. And He has a good plan for your life. Trust Him, and allow Him to work in you and through you, even in the waiting.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Matese Fields
Originally published Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
