by: Sandy Chery
In a world that moves fast and demands instant results, the concept of waiting can feel frustrating, even foreign. We’ve grown accustomed to getting what we want when we want it—thank you, Amazon Prime, fast food, and instant downloads! But what happens when life doesn’t move at our pace? What do we do when God calls us to wait?
Waiting on the Lord is one of the most common commands in Scripture, and yet, it’s one of the hardest to follow. Let’s dive into what it really means to wait on God and, more importantly, how to do it well in a way that honors Him.
The Struggle with Instant Gratification
Let’s be honest: no one likes to wait anymore. We live in a culture of instant gratification—the desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay. While this might sound harmless, it can lead us away from the patience, wisdom, and self-control that God wants to cultivate in us.
Instant gratification often stems from a place of self-centeredness. It’s about what we want, when we want it—regardless of whether it’s in alignment with God’s will. That’s why Scripture often urges us to wait on the Lord.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
— Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
What Does It Mean to Wait on God?
The Hebrew word for “wait” in Psalm 27:14 is qavah, which means to wait eagerly, to hope, or to expect. This shows us that waiting isn’t passive—it’s active. It means staying where you are, trusting God’s timing, and remaining hopeful for what’s to come.
God calls us to wait because He knows what’s best for us. Isaiah 48:17 reminds us that God is the One who teaches us what is best and leads us in the way we should go. Like a loving Father, He doesn’t just give us everything we want immediately. Instead, He uses the waiting to teach us, grow us, and prepare us for what’s ahead.
Why Does God Call Us to Wait?
There are several powerful reasons God asks us to wait:
1. Waiting Strengthens and Matures Us
Isaiah 40:31 says:
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…”
As we wait, our spiritual muscles are strengthened. We grow in patience, endurance, and reliance on God. Waiting becomes a place of deep spiritual formation where God matures us for what He’s prepared.
2. Waiting Keeps Us in God’s Will
Acting out of impatience often leads us to take matters into our own hands, stepping outside of God’s perfect plan. Just think of Abraham and Sarah. Their decision to rush God’s promise led to long-term consequences. Waiting is an act of obedience that protects us from unnecessary pain.
3. Waiting Helps Us Trust God’s Timing
God’s timeline often doesn’t match ours—but it’s always perfect. As 2 Peter 3:8–9 reminds us, God’s “slowness” is actually His patience and care for us. He sees the bigger picture, and He’s never late.
4. Waiting Brings God Glory
When we wait on God, and He shows up, our testimony gives Him glory. Psalm 40:1–3 paints a beautiful picture of how waiting well leads others to trust in the Lord. Our patience becomes part of someone else’s path to faith.
How Do We Wait on God Well?
It’s one thing to wait, but Scripture calls us to wait well—to wait in a way that pleases and honors God. Here’s how:
1. Serve While You Wait
Joseph is a powerful example. Though he waited over a decade to see God’s promise fulfilled, he served faithfully and with excellence. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to serve one another humbly in love, even in our seasons of waiting.
2. Keep the Faith
Hebrews 11 highlights heroes of faith who believed in God even when they didn’t see the promise fulfilled. Waiting well means keeping your faith strong and trusting God even when you don’t understand His timeline.
3. Stay in Prayer
Romans 12:12 says:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Prayer isn’t just for breakthroughs—it’s for the in-between. Stay committed to seeking God, even when you haven’t yet seen the answer.
4. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Hebrews 12:1–2 encourages us to run with endurance and keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him—He knows the weight of waiting and the beauty of God’s timing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Wait—Wait Well
Waiting is hard. But in the hands of God, it’s never wasted.
In your season of waiting, trust that God is good, that He knows what’s best for you, and that His timing is perfect. Whether you’re waiting for healing, provision, breakthrough, or direction—remember this: your waiting has purpose.
So don’t just wait—wait well.
