How to Wait on God’s Timing – 7 Simple Ways

One question we all ask ourselves is how to wait on God’s timing.

This will involve spending time in prayer, reading the bible, letting go and letting God take control and learning to seek guidance from others.

Are you feeling like a delicate flower, gently swaying in the breeze of uncertainty, as you wait on God’s timing? The concept of waiting can be frustrating and challenging, yet it holds a purpose that is often overlooked.

In this discussion, we will explore the significance of embracing the waiting period, draw inspiration from biblical figures who had to endure prolonged waits and discover practical ways to navigate through the labyrinth of God’s timing.

So, if you’re eager to uncover the secrets of patience and divine timing, get ready for an enlightening journey that will transform your perspective.

I must admit that I struggle with this area a lot. I am a person who likes to get answers quickly. I am impatient and I want God to answer my prayers RIGHT NOW!

I am sure that many of you can relate.
I struggle when God is taking too long to answer me. I am accustomed to using a microwave and getting my food steaming hot right away.

That is how I can approach praying to God as well. I don’t like it when he takes too long to answer my prayer.

As I write this I must admit that I am waiting on some money that has been owed to me for 2 years now from the Government.

I am not sure how much longer I have to wait but I know God knows the correct timing for me to get my money.

The truth is I don’t need it right now but I just want to get what is owed to me.

What are you waiting on right now?

Key Takeaways

• Waiting on God’s timing is an active practice that allows growth and development in faith.
• Waiting cultivates patience, perseverance, and trust.
• Waiting shapes character and aligns desires with God’s will.
• Embracing waiting opens individuals up to receive God’s blessings.

Introduction

When it comes to learning how to wait on God’s timing, it’s important to understand the significance and purpose behind the waiting process.

Waiting isn’t just a passive act of idleness; it’s an active and intentional practice that allows us to grow and develop in our faith. It’s during this waiting period that we learn to trust in God’s plan, surrender control, and rely on His perfect timing.

The waiting process serves as a preparation for what’s to come. It’s through waiting that we’re refined, moulded, and shaped into the person God wants us to be. Just as a potter takes time to carefully mould clay into a beautiful vessel, God takes His time in shaping and forming us.

He uses the waiting process to remove impurities, strengthen our character, and align our desires with His will.

Furthermore, learning how to wait on God’s timing allows us to cultivate patience and perseverance. It teaches us to wait with hope and expectation, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect.

It reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways and that He knows what’s best for us. So even when the waiting feels long and difficult, we can hold onto the assurance that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating everything for our ultimate good.

Embracing The Purpose of Waiting

To fully embrace the purpose of waiting, you must recognize the transformative power it holds in shaping your character and aligning your desires with God’s will.

Waiting isn’t simply a passive state of doing nothing; it’s an active process of growth and development. During this time, God is working behind the scenes, moulding you into the person He created you to be.

Waiting teaches you patience, perseverance, and trust. It allows you to surrender control and rely on God’s timing instead of your own.

It reminds you that God’s plans are always better than your own and that He knows what’s truly best for you. By embracing the purpose of waiting, you open yourself up to receiving God’s blessings in His perfect timing.

Waiting also helps you align your desires with God’s will. Often, we have our agenda and timeline for our lives, but God’s plans may be different.

Through waiting, you learn to let go of your desires and surrender to God’s plan. You begin to seek His will above your own, trusting that His timing is perfect and that He knows what’s best for you.

People from The Bible who had to Wait

It’s inspiring to reflect on the experiences of individuals from the Bible who also had to patiently await God’s timing. Their stories serve as a reminder that waiting isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth and a testament to our faith.

Consider the following individuals from the Bible who’d to wait:

• Abraham: He waited for years for God’s promise of a son to be fulfilled. Despite his doubts and uncertainties, Abraham remained steadfast in his faith, ultimately receiving the gift of Isaac.
• Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph had to wait for years before he saw God’s plan unfold. Through his patience and unwavering trust in God, he eventually became a powerful ruler and saved his family from famine.
• Moses: After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before God called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. His time of waiting prepared him for the great task ahead.
• David: Anointed as king by Samuel, David had to wait many years before actually assuming the throne. During this time, he faced numerous trials and challenges but remained faithful to God’s plan.

These biblical figures teach us that waiting is more than just a period of delay; it’s a time of preparation, refinement, and strengthening of our faith. So, as you wait on God’s timing, take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone.

7 Ways that Teaches How to Wait on God’s Timing

As you wait on God’s timing, there are several ways you can actively participate in the process.

Seek guidance through prayer, allowing yourself to communicate with God and receive his wisdom.

Immerse yourself in Scripture, finding comfort, guidance, and strength in the words of the Bible.

Surrender to the process, trusting that God has a plan and purpose for your waiting.

Extract lessons from the waiting period, recognizing the growth and transformation that can occur.

And finally, maintain a gratitude journal, cultivating a mindset of thankfulness and appreciation for God’s faithfulness throughout the waiting process.

1. Seeking Guidance Through Prayer

When seeking guidance through prayer, it’s important to patiently wait on God’s timing. Remember, waiting doesn’t mean being passive; it means actively seeking God’s will and aligning your heart with His.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Here are some ways to seek guidance through prayer:

• Silence: Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God, away from distractions, and listen for His still, small voice.
• Scripture: Read the Bible, seeking wisdom and guidance from God’s Word. Let His truth speak directly to your heart.
• Journaling: Write down your prayers and thoughts, allowing God to guide your pen and reveal His plans for you.
• Community: Seek counsel from trusted believers who can offer godly wisdom and support.

2. Immerse Yourself in Scripture

To fully embrace God’s timing, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in Scripture. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, guidance, and comfort. As you wait on God’s timing, make a habit of reading and studying the Word regularly.

Allow its truth to penetrate your heart and mind, shaping your perspective and renewing your faith. Take time to meditate on Scripture, allowing it to speak to your specific situation and provide you with the strength and encouragement you need.

I tend to read the Bible to build up my faith when it begins to run low.

It’s good to look up scriptures on waiting on the Lord.

Memorize key verses that resonate with you, allowing them to be a source of comfort and reassurance during times of waiting. The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, the more you’ll align your desires and actions with God’s perfect timing.

3. Surrendering to the Process

Embrace the process of surrendering to God’s timing as you navigate through the waiting period. It may not always be easy, but it’s essential for your growth and faith. Here are a few ways to surrender to the process:

• Let go: Release your desires and expectations, allowing God to work in His perfect timing. Trust that His plan is better than your own.
• Be patient: Cultivate a spirit of endurance and trust, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect. Practice patience in every aspect of your life.
• Seek guidance: Stay connected to God through prayer and seek His wisdom and guidance during this waiting period. Allow Him to lead you in the right direction.
• Focus on the present: Instead of dwelling on the future or what could be, focus on the present moment. Embrace the journey and find joy in the process.

4. Extracting Lessons from the Waiting Period

As you continue to surrender to the process of waiting on God’s timing, you can extract valuable lessons from this period of anticipation.

One lesson you can learn is patience. Waiting requires you to trust that God has a plan and that His timing is perfect. It teaches you to be patient and not rush into things prematurely.

Many times we want to rush God when he knows the correct timing for our blessing. God’s delay is not his denial. Sometimes he is holding back our blessings because we are not ready for it yet. If he gives it to us it will destroy us.

Another lesson is faith. Waiting on God’s timing requires you to have faith that He’ll come through for you. It strengthens your belief in His goodness and provision.

Additionally, waiting teaches you to let go of control. It reminds you that you aren’t in charge and that you need to surrender to God’s will.

5. Maintaining a Gratitude Journal

One effective way to wait on God’s timing is by maintaining a gratitude journal. By recording the things you’re grateful for, you can shift your focus from impatience to appreciation. Here’s how a gratitude journal can help you in your waiting period:

• Reflection: Writing down what you’re grateful for allows you to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, reminding you that there’s much to be thankful for even in the midst of waiting.
• Perspective: Keeping a gratitude journal helps you gain a fresh perspective on your situation, enabling you to see the bigger picture and trust that God is working things out for your good.
• Hope: Reviewing past entries in your gratitude journal can provide you with hope and encouragement, as you see how God has been faithful in the past and can continue to be in the future.
• Joy: Expressing gratitude cultivates a heart of joy, filling your waiting period with positivity and contentment.

Maintaining a gratitude journal can be a powerful tool in your journey of waiting on God’s timing.

6. Connecting with Others

Shifting your focus from personal reflection to connecting with others is another powerful way to wait on God’s timing.

During seasons of waiting, it’s easy to become consumed with our thoughts and emotions. However, reaching out to others can provide a fresh perspective and a sense of community.

Take the time to intentionally connect with friends, family, or even strangers who share your faith. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer encouragement, and lend a listening ear.

Many times I will talk to some trusted church friends about what I am going through so I can get their guidance and support while waiting. We all need to lean into some outside perspectives.

By doing so, you not only distract yourself from impatiently waiting for God’s timing but also create space for God to work through others.

7. The Art of Letting Go

To effectively wait on God’s timing, it’s crucial to master the art of letting go. This means releasing control and surrendering your desires to Him. We need to learn to let go and let God have his way.

Here are four ways to practice the art of letting go:

• Breathe: Take deep breaths and exhale slowly, allowing yourself to release tension and anxiety.
• Trust: Have faith in God’s plan for your life and trust that He knows what’s best for you.
• Surrender: Let go of your expectations and desires, and surrender them to God’s will.
• Focus: Redirect your thoughts and energy towards what you can control in the present moment, rather than dwelling on what you can’t change.

Conclusion

In the end, embracing God’s timing brings peace and fulfilment. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the art of waiting on God’s timing and the importance of letting go.

It isn’t always easy to wait patiently for the things we desire, but when we trust in God’s plan, we discover a deep sense of peace and contentment.

Waiting on God’s timing requires us to surrender our desires and plans. It means acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than our own and that His timing is perfect. When we let go of our need for control and trust in Him, we open ourselves up to His greater purpose for our lives.

In the process of waiting, we may experience doubts, fears, and impatience. But it’s during these moments that we must remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness.

He has a plan for us, and His timing is always right. We can find comfort in knowing that He’s working behind the scenes, orchestrating everything for our good.

Embracing God’s timing brings a sense of fulfilment because it aligns us with His divine will. We no longer strive in our strength, but rather, we rely on His guidance and provision. We can rest in the knowledge that His timing is perfect, and He’ll bring about the best outcomes for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does God Make Us Wait for His Timing?

God makes you wait for His timing because He knows what is best for you. Waiting builds patience, and trust, and strengthens your faith. It is an opportunity for growth and preparation for the blessings He has in store for you.

How Do I Know if I Am Waiting on God’s Timing or Just Procrastinating?

You can know if you’re waiting on God’s timing or procrastinating by seeking His guidance and listening to His voice. Trust that He will make it clear to you and have faith in His perfect plan.

What Should I Do if I Feel Impatient While Waiting on God’s Timing?

If you feel impatient while waiting on God’s timing, take a moment to reflect on His faithfulness. Trust that He knows what’s best for you and use this time to grow in patience and surrender.

Is There a Specific Formula or Set of Steps to Follow When Waiting on God’s Timing?

There isn’t a specific formula or set of steps to follow when waiting on God’s timing. It’s a personal journey of faith, patience, and trust. Stay open, seek guidance, and surrender control.

Conclusion

So, next time you find yourself asking how to wait on God’s timing, remember to embrace the purpose of waiting and look to the examples of patience in the Bible.

Trust that God has a plan and that His timing is perfect. Use this time of waiting to grow in faith, seek His guidance, and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.

Rest assured that as you wait on God’s timing, He’s working behind the scenes to bring about His best for you.

In the early 1900s, a young Aiden Wilson Tozer sensed God calling out to him. He kept hearing God tell him that one day he would be used mightily to inspire many toward a deeper life of worship and prayer. 

However, as Tozer finished Bible college and began to pastor, his congregation and influence remained small. In his first pastor role at age 38, he ministered faithfully but saw no clear path toward the national reach he felt God promise.

Even as Tozer entered his 50s and 60s, he led struggling congregations of no more than a few dozen people. Yet he persisted in developing his preaching and writing gift, trusting in God’s timing. 

Rather than chasing fame, he focused humbly on cultivating his inner life with God. He believed that spiritual depth, not platforms or branding, had to come first.

Finally, in his later years, Tozer found his voice writing bestselling books like “The Pursuit of God.” These inspirational works affected thousands by tackling complacency and calling people toward revival. 

In God’s timing, Tozer saw the fruit of decades of patience, prayer, and cultivating wisdom. His story stands today as a testimony: what God promises, He fulfills faithfully in His proper timing. We need only wait, trust, and draw close to Him in the interim.