It was the most challenging period of my life so far. I knew that God had revealed to me that she was ‘the one’, but my reality was far different – we were not speaking to one another. We had stopped being in a relationship without any official breakup. Now it has been several months without a word between us. I was facing a myriad of emotions, but more so confused by the circumstances. I know God cannot lie, so perhaps I heard Him wrong? I know God has called me to help people hear His voice, but how can I do so if I cannot listen to God’s voice for myself? All I knew what to do was to wait. 

There is much more to the story in how God used this time to trust Him- specifically beyond what I could see. Nine months later, she and I did talk (through a series of God-ordained events) to bring to fruition what God had planted; I’ve been married to Valerie for over five years as it was the best decision I have ever made. I can say with confidence; it was worth the wait. 

If you are reading this, it’s a high probability that you are waiting for something. As Christ-followers, we all should be eagerly waiting – to see our loved ones saved, to see revival happen in our churches, for renewal in our communities… the possibilities are endless! Yet I have a suspicion that the waiting you might be enduring is rather personal. It could be for a spouse as you’ve had the God-given desire to be married. Perhaps it is to have children as the months or years have seemingly flown by. It might be a promotion that you’ve been eagerly seeking or a new opportunity to open up for you. You could be waiting for someone to come back to the faith, or them to realize and to embrace their calling. 

Most of us have been waiting for Covid-19 to be eradicated. To have life go back to ‘normal’, at least what that used to be. The virus has forced us to wait beyond any of our expectations. To go outdoors without fear and a mask. To not be afraid of where someone has been because they could have the virus. It seems that there is so much that we are waiting for this season. 

Whatever the reason(s) is that you are waiting, I want to stress that it is worth the wait. Trust me, IT IS WORTH IT. Here are 3 reasons why: 

1. GOD IS WORKING IN YOU IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

What I didn’t realize during that painful waiting period was that there was some work God wanted to do in me. Actually, A LOT of work! It often takes the ordeals and stressors of life to reveal and refine the weak areas that we’ve carried and neglected for far too long. 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I had to endure this trial in my scenario since I did not understand how to date Valerie properly. I would use ‘worldly’ ways, not God’s ways. I had to learn how to lead as a Christian man. needed to learn gentleness, patience, and understanding of her culture that was different than mine. And of course, I had to learn to trust the Holy Spirit; when God speaks, He will do what He says. 

Now there is much I still need to learn (and my wife will tell you that I am not perfect!), but hindsight has given me the insight that this grueling time was worth the wait because of what the Holy Spirit did in me. I can now be a better husband because of the waiting. 

While it may be difficult for you to know God is precisely doing in you while you wait, why don’t you ask Him? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He wants to do in you while you wait. Are you willing to allow Him to sift through your junk? To remove areas of the flesh that have been around for years? To take on Christ’s characteristics? As the verse above indicates, trials are necessary so you can become a mature Christ-follower. So that trial you are facing right now – don’t waste it! Allow this hardship to help you be better, not bitter. 

2. GOD’S TIMING FOR YOU IS PERFECT

I realize people strongly dislike hearing this phrase when they have been waiting with no answers. I didn’t like hearing it either, but the crazy thing is… it’s true! It’s important to remember that we rarely understand the ‘why’ while we are in our waiting throes. If we are asking God why we don’t have what we are waiting for, we are asking the wrong question. What we should be asking instead is, “what can I do while I wait?” “How can I accomplish your will in this season of waiting?” 

I am reminded of the biblical story of David’s journey to the throne. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel as a teenager but did not become king until 30. What happened in between those 13-15 years for David involved persecution, abandonment, and rejection that led to constant travel with no security. However, these horrible tribulations forged David to have greater faith in God. He learned the rules of kingship (by sitting in King Saul’s throne room) and military warfare strategies by leading men into battle. David’s trust in God’s timing was so great that he purposely did not kill King Saul when he had the chance… twice! (1 Samuel 24:1-7; 26:8-11). 

Now imagine if David became king immediately as a shepherd boy? He would not have faced the trials that forged the character traits and skills needed to be the greatest King of Israel. 

Looking at King David’s example should give us reason to rejoice in our trials… we know the Lord is up to something in us! While God has the might to take away whatever burden you face, it may not be removed according to His wisdom. Whatever you are waiting for, trust that God in His divine understanding has a perfect plan that will be done when He says so. “His way is perfect.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

3. GOD GETS THE GLORY; YOU GET HIS FAITHFULNESS

Here’s where I am going with this – when we are waiting, especially if it has been a LONG time, we typically cannot see the outcome. It can be easy to lose faith. But don’t! What may seem impossible for man is possible for God! And when something doesn’t seem likely, like that answer you’ve been waiting for, God gets the glory because only He could bring the solution. 

Think about Abraham and Sarah. Not only does it seem like bad timing (Abraham was 75 years old when the Lord told him he was going to have a child), but he had to wait 25 years to see the promise fulfilled! There is absolutely no way that Abraham could take the credit for this miracle; only God can. God delights in beating the odds for us since it reveals how much He loves us. 

So God gets the glory, and we are now confident that He can do it. Why is this important? I hate to break it to you, but this will not be the only time you are waiting for something. There will be other major ‘issues’ that you’ll be waiting for since it is part of life and how we grow in the faith. 

Case in point – I had to wait for Valerie before we were married, but now we are waiting again. It has been almost 4 years, and we still do not have children. We have also felt led to adopt through the foster care system and have been waiting for months with no call. What am I to do? 

As I wait, I can trust that God is going to be faithful. This assurance is built off of my previous experience of waiting. Yes, it is relatively longer than before. Yes, there are days where it is not easy for us. But I can stand firm knowing that He is doing something even if I cannot see it yet. God’s timing is the best timing. As Isaiah 25:1 says, “Lord, you are my God, I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness, you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Yes and Amen! 

The Lord wants to do a great and mighty work in you. I believe God is doing this right now as you wait, even through the waiting of Covid-19. Do you trust that He will be faithful with what He has promised? I hope the answer is yes! 

This week, bring to mind what you are waiting for. Work through the 3 points and see how those relate specifically to your set of circumstances. If you have given up hope, reestablish your commitment to wait and to wait well. Meaning to wait with the intention not to worry, complain, or take matters into your own hands. Trust the Lord! He will do it. And soon enough, you’ll look back and agree with me wholeheartedly that what you are waiting for is certainly worth it. 

Have a blessed week!