Finding Peace in the Process
Are you tired of waiting? For a new job, a healing, or a breakthrough in your relationships? Waiting can feel like a test of our patience and faith. In a world that promises instant gratification, the concept of waiting on God often feels counter-cultural. However, biblical patience isn’t about passive inaction; it’s about active trust in God’s perfect timing.
The Bible repeatedly calls us to be patient, knowing that God is always at work behind the scenes. In James 5:7-8, we’re told to “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Just as a farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we must wait for God’s perfect timing. We can have full confidence that, as Isaiah 60:22 promises, “I, the LORD, will make it happen in its time.”
Purposeful Waiting on God
Waiting on God isn’t a sign of His indifference; it’s a purposeful part of our spiritual journey. This period of waiting allows us to look to the Lord and demonstrate that we trust Him more than we trust our own anxiousness or hurried plans. God isn’t a convenience store where we can walk in, grab what we want, and leave. James 4:3 confirms this: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
Instead of demanding an immediate answer, God uses this time to teach us. He’s more interested in shaping our character than simply giving us what we want. The time you spend waiting is an opportunity to grow in faith, to learn to rely on God’s provision, and to understand His sovereignty over every area of your life—from health and finances to family and work.
The Power of Thankful Prayer
So, what should we do while we wait? Philippians 4:6 provides a powerful answer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” The key here is thanksgiving.
But how can you be thankful for something you haven’t received yet? This is where faith comes in. A truly thankful heart is a heart that trusts completely in God’s promises. It’s an act of worship that says, “I thank You for the answer You are already preparing.” This is the kind of faith that pleases God. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Our Eternal Perspective
An eternal perspective can change how we see our present circumstances. A few years ago, my family and I were preparing for our first trip back to Brazil after moving to England in 2019. For months, we were filled with anticipation. As the departure date grew closer, our minds were almost entirely focused on the trip. Everything we did, from buying things to making plans, was for the journey. Our daily routines and other important tasks felt secondary. We’d often say, “We’ll see about that after we get back.”
This experience taught me a profound lesson about our faith journey. No matter how important our daily plans, hopes, and dreams are, they should always take a backseat to our final destination. Our ultimate journey is to Heaven with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This journey has a date, a purpose, and a promise.
When we live with this eternal perspective, our current struggles seem less significant. We can have full confidence in God’s unchanging character and complete control over all things, as the prophet Daniel beautifully describes in Daniel 2:20-22:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
With God in absolute control, we have nothing to fear.
The Faith Like a Mustard Seed
You might be thinking, “I don’t have that much faith.” If so, you are not alone. The apostles once asked Jesus to increase their faith. His response in Luke 17:6 is a beautiful and reassuring truth: “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
This verse isn’t about faith’s size. It’s about its power. A mulberry tree is known for its massive, intertwined root system, making it nearly impossible to uproot. Jesus was saying that even the smallest amount of genuine faith in a great God can accomplish the impossible. Your faith doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be in the One who is.
Conclusion
Let’s summarise the key lessons we’ve learned about waiting on God:
- Patience is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It’s a sign of our trust in God’s perfect plan.
- Waiting is purposeful. It strengthens our hearts and teaches us to rely on Him, not on our own understanding.
- God is not a convenience store. He is a loving Father who gives us what we need, not just what we want.
- Pray with a thankful heart. Giving thanks before the answer arrives demonstrates your unwavering faith.
- With faith, we can overcome anything. Even a small amount of faith in a big God can do what seems impossible.
He is coming soon! Let’s live with hearts full of expectation and patience until that great day.
By the way, waiting on God’s perfect timing is absolutely and intrinsically related to keeping our eyes fixed on Him. If you need more Biblical context to understand or to practice it, download our ebook, The Things Above, from our shop.
Also, watch inspirational and educational videos (like the one below), and listen to our worship songs on our YouTube channel.
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