I wasn’t born with much patience, so waiting on God’s timing can get rather frustrating. My old car is just one example, as it sits in the barn again, for almost another month, waiting on repairs.
My t-shirt business and traffic to this blog is another good example of feeling like I’m stuck in a virtual holding pattern wondering when things are going to pick up. Having patience is something I’ve always struggled with, although as I’ve aged and gotten closer to Jesus, it’s not as unbearable as it used to be.
The Challenges of Waiting on God’s Timing
Yes, this can be one of the most challenging obstacles of your faith journey. It’s a test of patience, trust, and perseverance that can leave you feeling frustrated, doubtful, and anxious. So what can you do?
How to Deal with the Frustration and Doubt
It’s difficult to just wait… and wait… and wait. It’s natural to get frustrated and even begin to doubt God’s plan for your life. You might be asking God in your prayers, “If not now, then when?” You may even wonder if God’s really listening. Believe me – He is. But remember, God doesn’t work on earthly time. He created time, and He exists outside of what we consider our time.
It’s also important to remember that these feelings are normal and that God wants you to bring your frustrations to Him in honest prayer. You don’t have to pretend that everything is fine when it’s not. Instead, bring those raw emotions to Him. He’s not going to be surprised or upset by your struggles.
Talk About Your Frustrations with Your Christian Friends
You can join a small prayer group at church where you can ask others to pray with you for patience and peace during your time of waiting. If you don’t have a regular church, call a friend who’s also a believer and ask them to pray with you over the phone. I’ve done both of these things and still do when I’m really feeling doubtful about my life or my business. I just keep reminding myself, ‘All in God’s time.’
Do You Compare Your Life or Business with Others?
It’s super easy to do! But it’s something you absolutely shouldn’t do. God created each of us for a different purpose. Just because something works for one person or even a few people, does not mean it’s going to work for you, too.
One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing someone say, ‘If I can do it, anyone can do it!’ Uh… NO. As soon as I hear that phrase, I stop listening. Why? I am not that person. That person doesn’t know where I am in life. They don’t know my challenges or what I am or am not capable of. They don’t know what God has planned for ME. HE may not want me to do whatever someone else is doing.
So don’t fall into the ‘anyone can do it’ trap. Remember, you are not just ‘anyone.’ If you’re a believer then you are a Child of God and His timing is much more important than ours.
Shift Your Perspective on Waiting on God’s Timing
Oh yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s an essential part of your spiritual journey. By shifting your perspective, you can grow in your faith and prepare for what God may have for you while you wait.
Don’t Think of Waiting as Wasting Time
When you’re in a season of waiting, it’s easy to feel like you’re wasting time. However, God often uses this time to get you ready for what’s next. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to beat the anxiety and frustration.
- Find ways to serve your family or community
- Learn more about God by reading your Bible
- Learn a new hobby or craft that pleases Him
- Volunteer for different church or community events
- Visit a new church if you’re not already a regular attendee at one
While these ideas may not seem glamorous or exciting, you may come up with other things to do to help ready you while waiting on God’s timing for future opportunities.
Only God Controls Time
I’m reminded of an old joke where someone stands in front of a microwave saying, ‘Come on! I don’t have all MINUTE!’ Now that’s impatience!
God created time! So He exists outside of our earthly time. One minute to us might be a year in God’s time. So instead of trying to force things to happen on your timeline, learn to submit to God’s wisdom. He sees the bigger picture and knows the perfect moment for things to happen.
Strengthen Your Faith While Waiting on God’s Timing
Don’t think of this time as “waiting.” Instead, think of this as an opportunity to deepen your faith and grow spiritually. You’ll find you have more peace and less frustration while you wait.
Prayer is a great way to connect with God. If trying to set up a daily routine is frustrating, simply pray as you go about your day. You can pray any time at all, not just while you’re in church or during a devotional hour. God’s always listening!
Read Your Bible More!
This is where you’ll find God’s Living Word. Sometimes you might read a passage and feel like He’s speaking to you directly. At those times, highlight those passages or bookmark them to read again.
Sometimes I come across passages that will look great as a design on t-shirts! You can write down special verses and turn them into wall art for your favorite room in the house.
Make Today Count While Waiting on God’s Timing!
God may be allowing you to do things now that will be right in line with what He has planned for your future. For example, after I was let go from my last job back in 2006 and ended up permanently disabled, I decided to take advantage of my ‘down time’ and teach myself new computer skills.
I won’t say I can run circles around a trained computer techie, but I’ve learned a lot over the last 10+ years of being home full time. I’ve learned a variety of software programs and even built a few websites!
For example, right now I manage a website I built for the Fish & Game Commission where my husband’s a member and does volunteer work. My “pay” is the compliments I’ve gotten from the director and other members.
Whenever I learn something new for my website or my husband’s, I’ll apply it to the Commission’s site too.
Now, would I build websites as a business? Certainly – NOT. I feel God has other things waiting for me. I just have to wait for Him to show me what they are – beyond what I’m already doing.
God’s Timing is Always Perfect
Because God Himself is always perfect! Maybe He’s allowing you to wait because it’s not what He wants for you. Or maybe He needs you to learn more or do more to prepare you for what’s next.
So, always trust that God’s timing is forever perfect, even when it doesn’t align with your own expectations.
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