When God’s Timing Feels Too Slow
Waiting is tough. Really tough. Waiting for my oncologist to review my CT scan. That’s a special kind of anxiety that twists my stomach into knots. Maybe for you, it’s waiting on the results of a job interview that feels like it could change everything. Or sitting in the silence of unanswered prayers for a relationship you long to heal. Whether it’s waiting for clarity, a breakthrough, or a miracle, it can leave you feeling emotionally drained.
We live in a world that thrives on instant gratification. Swiping, scrolling, clicking, and getting what we want now—it’s seems like that’s how we’ve all been programmed. I avoid all social media and still, I feel the pressure of a “right now” society. Or expecting answers to all my questions right away. So when God asks us to wait, it’s no surprise that it can feel like an eternity.
Have you ever prayed, God, why haven’t You done something? Don’t You see what I’m going through? If so, you’re not alone. Those same questions have echoed in the hearts and minds of so many. Even when it feels like God is taking His sweet time, His timing is never off. And the waiting. It’s not a waste. There’s always a purpose.
His Timing is Perfect
Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us God’s ways are higher than ours. What looks like a delay might be perfectly on time in His plan. Maybe you’ve been praying for a door to open, but He knows it’s the wrong one—or it’s not time yet.
It’s like planting a seed. You can water it and wait, but no matter how badly you want it to sprout today, it’s not going to grow faster. The process has its own time. And just like that seed, God’s timing is growing something in your life that you can’t see yet.
He’s Building Your Patience and Faith
James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.” Waiting is uncomfortable, but it’s part of how God shapes us. I’m not the most patient of guys. My prayer for patience is usually, “God, grant me patience…NOW!”
How about David? He was anointed king as a young shepherd but waited years—enduring trials, battles, and betrayals—before stepping into the role God had promised him. Those years weren’t wasted. They prepared him to lead with strength, humility, and wisdom. God doesn’t waste time. I think sometimes He sits on it a bit longer than I would like. And so it goes.
He Has Something Better in Store
Ever prayed for something, only to look back and thank God for NOT answering the way you’d hoped? And then, something better is granted us. How sweet is that? Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” I need to remember that scripture, especially when I’m feeling anxious about waiting on God.
Maybe you’re praying for a home you can afford, but God’s preparing one that’s a better fit for your family. Or you’re longing for a specific opportunity, but God knows there’s something around the corner that aligns more closely with your purpose.
He’s Working on Your Heart
Sometimes the waiting isn’t about the circumstances but about what’s happening in us. In our heart. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Maybe the delay is God gently (or maybe not so gently) calling you to let go of something—fear, anger, control, bitterness—that’s been holding you back.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. The work He does in your heart during these times often prepares you for what’s ahead.
Why Waiting Feels So Hard
It’s one thing to wait for your coffee order. It’s another to wait for test results that could redefine your life. When the outcome feels critical, the waiting can become suffocating. I have to wait for my next CT scan to see if the nodule in my lung has grown. That’s a few months away. Do I stay in a constant dither about it and worry about what might or might not be? Or do I trust God and allow Him to do His work on my heart while I’m waiting? If I’m honest, maybe a bit of both. And so it goes.
Fear Takes Over
The uncertainty of waiting often invites fear. What if this doesn’t work out? What if God doesn’t come through? It’s hard not to let your mind spiral. But Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that trusting God means leaning on Him instead of our understanding, even when the path ahead feels dark.
What You Can Do While You Wait
Waiting doesn’t mean sitting idle. It’s about staying engaged with life, leaning into God, and making the most of this season. Here are some practical ways to do just that:
1. Dive Into Scripture
Make time to dig into God’s Word. Look for stories of people who had to wait—Abraham waiting for Isaac or Joseph waiting in prison. Let their journeys remind you that God is faithful, even in the waiting. Start small—maybe a chapter a day or a verse that resonates—and let it feed your soul.
2. Create a Gratitude Journal
When waiting starts to feel overwhelming, gratitude can shift your focus. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big—something like the sunrise, a kind text from a friend, or a quiet moment with your coffee. Over time, you’ll see how God is still providing even while you wait.
3. Set Small, Achievable Goals
While you wait, focus on things you can work on. Is there a hobby you’ve been wanting to explore, a book you’ve been meaning to read, or a skill you want to learn? Maybe it’s something as simple as decluttering a room or trying a new recipe. Accomplishing small goals can remind you that life doesn’t stop just because you’re in a waiting season.
4. Get Outside
Take a walk, sit in the sunshine, or spend time in nature. Sometimes, just being outside can clear your head and remind you of God’s presence in creation. Use that time to pray, reflect, or simply breathe.
5. Stay Connected With Community
Waiting can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to friends, join a small group, or attend a church event. Surround yourself with people who can encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s faithfulness when you’re feeling discouraged.
6. Serve Others
One of the best ways to take your focus off your own struggles is to serve someone else. Volunteer at a food bank, write an encouraging note to a friend, or check in on someone who might be feeling lonely. Sometimes, stepping outside your own waiting can bring unexpected peace.
7. Practice Rest
It’s easy to think we have to hustle while we wait, but God also calls us to rest. Take a day to unplug and recharge. Spend time in prayer, read, or simply allow yourself to be still. Resting doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means trusting God to work even when you’re not.
8. Memorize Scripture
Pick a verse or two that speaks to you in this season and commit it to memory. Verses like Psalm 27:14 (“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart…”) or Isaiah 40:31 (“…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength”) can anchor your heart when waiting feels hard.
9. Turn to Worship
Music has a way of lifting our spirits and re-centering our focus. Build a playlist of worship songs that remind you of God’s promises. Listen while you’re driving, cleaning, or just feeling overwhelmed. Let the lyrics speak truth into your heart. I sometimes listen to podcasts and, each morning, I watch an 8-10 minute Inspirational video on YouTube on the Grace Oasis channel. Seems to make my day better. Try it out.
10. Look for God’s Small Reminders
God often speaks in whispers, not shouts. Maybe it’s a random verse that pops up on your feed, an unexpected kindness from someone, or a moment of peace that feels out of the blue. Be on the lookout for those little signs that God is present in your waiting room.
11. Focus on Your Health
While you wait, take care of the body God gave you. Drink more water, stretch, or cook a healthy meal. Use this time to build habits that nourish both your physical and emotional well-being. My resistance bands workout are my go-to for exercise. A brief workout with them lifts me up both mentally and emotionally.
12. Lean Into Prayer—Even When It’s Messy
Prayer doesn’t have to be perfectly worded. Just be honest with God. Tell Him your fears, frustrations, and hopes. And don’t forget to pause and listen. Sometimes, the silence in prayer is where we sense Him the most. Allow yourself to become attuned to the gentle nudgings of the Holy Spirit. I especially like thought-prayers, knowing that my unspoken prayers are still heard by him.
Remember, this season of waiting isn’t forever, and it’s not wasted. Lean into these moments as best you can, and trust that God is still at work. Keep going, friends—He’s preparing something good.
