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We’ve all been there. We want something reeeeeeally badly, so in faith, we pray, and guess what? It doesn’t immediately fall from the sky into our laps. If you’re anything like how I used to be, you start to think “Why isn’t God listening to me? Maybe it’s just not meant to be…”. But, waiting is actually part of God’s plan for us! There are so many things to learn and develop during these waiting seasons, but only if you work while you wait. How? Here are 7 things to do while waiting on God.
Keep praying.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
To me, prayer is always #1. In good times, pray. In bad times, pray. During waiting seasons, pray. Even when I hand something over to God, I keep praying. Why? In order to develop a healthy relationship with God, we must pray! It is the main way we can directly communicate with him. And while waiting, I love to pray for discernment, faith, and patience. I also thank Him for listening to me and granting me my request. Prayer helps us remember that God never leaves us, even if we are waiting. He is still here, ready to listen and love.
Read Biblical stories about waiting.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 ESV
If you think you’re the only one to wait on the Lord, you are very mistaken! The Bible is full of faith-filled wait warriors! Sarah was 90 years old when she and Abraham had a child! David was an adult when he finally sat at the throne that was promised to him! And Noah was building his ark for over 100 years before the flood finally came! These stories are full of lessons about faith while waiting. Were these people perfect? Of course not! They had doubts. They didn’t always listen. They had to be redirected. But that is why their stories can teach us so much! Reading about how God fulfills His promises to others makes me feel excited for Him to fulfill promises to me. So, while you’re waiting on God, read about others who did the same.
Read scriptures about waiting.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV
Almost every problem we face today has been solved before in the Bible. That’s why it’s important to turn to scripture in times of need. And throughout the Bible, there are so many scriptures about waiting on God. They offer guidance, hope, faith, and promises that are just as true today as they were thousands of years ago. Scripture is our guidebook–use it!
Ask God what you should do while waiting…and do it!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
The Bible tells us that there is a season for everything, including waiting! And since you’re waiting with God, there is purpose in your patience. Have you ever asked God what you should do while you wait? The waiting season isn’t just free time, so make sure you know its purpose! There is a reason for our wait. Maybe it’s a time to reflect. Maybe it’s a time for spiritual growth. Maybe it’s a time for shadow work or financial independence. When you pray, ask God what you should do while you wait, and make sure you do it! He may not grant you the object of your wait if you are not ready!
Trust that God will fulfill His promises.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 ESV
Part of receiving what we are asking for is believing that God will grant it to us. Thus, we have to have trust in God’s promises! No matter how long or hard the wait is, if God promised you something, IT’S ALREADY YOURS! So have faith, girl! That marriage, job, car, or experience that you’ve been praying for is on its way to you. CLAIM IT, and trust in the Lord!
Give it over to God.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
To me, this is one of the hardest parts of waiting on God. Whatever the object of your wait is, you have to fully give it over to God. Don’t worry about it. Don’t stress over it. Don’t force what isn’t there. He will take care of it. Try this. Right now, think about the object of your wait. What is it that you’ve been praying and waiting for? What made you click on this article? Now, say this out loud: Lord, I give ________ over to you. And let it go! That’s it! There’s a song I love that says “As soon as I stop worrying, worrying how the story ends I let go and I let God, let God have His way. That’s when things start happening, when I stopped looking at back then. I let go and I let God, let God Have his way”. Let Him have His way.
Praise God, and give Him thanks.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 ESV
Like praying, it is always a good time to thank God. Thank Him for listening to you and for granting you the desires of your heart in His divine timing. Thank Him for all of the blessings He has given to you in the past and for never giving up on you. Even as we wait, there are things to be grateful for. So praise Him at all times! And even after your waiting season is over, make sure to thank Him!
These are all my tips for what to do while waiting on God. Do you have any more to add to this list? Leave them in the comments, or message me on Instagram.
