06/20/2026
We live in a fast-paced, need it yesterday, can't wait, society. Fast food, instant communication, same-day delivery, and at-your-fingertips answers are the norm. Patience and long suffering are rare traits indeed. So, how do we deal with it when God says, "Not yet" to our requests? We can find ourselves feeling disappointed, frustrated, and even angry when He doesn't respond to our prayers quickly and in the way we want. Or, we can choose to trust our Father who truly knows what is best and who is working all things for our good.
Abraham and Sarah are two people in the Bible who had to wait for the promise from God. God had spoken to Abraham concerning his legacy: "Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Issac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him." (Gen. 17:19) God had even told Abraham that he would have as many offspring as the stars in the heavens. But there was no child born to Sarah.....for 25 years! (We don't like to wait 25 minutes for our food in a restaurant!) God's word came to pass just as He had promised and from that child of promise the entire nation of Israel was birthed.
Even Paul, the author of nearly half of the New Testament, had a "thorn in the flesh" and prayed repeatedly for deliverance. In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul speaks about this ailment. "Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it would leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient to you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul goes on to express his contentment despite his problem, saying he was strong in Christ.
When you feel anxious, nervous, and impatient in your waiting season, remember these people, and the countless others from the Word and throughout history who had waiting seasons. God is a good and faithful Father who will provide in the perfect time! Rest, be encouraged, and fill your mind with the Word:
"My times are in your hand, rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!" Ps 31:15
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecc 3:1
"but those that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." Isa 40:31
"The Lord is good to those who wait for him; for the soul who seeks Him." Lam 3:25
Waiting is never easy, but know that God hears, He sees, and He cares always!
