waiting on God – Naty Matos

We say we trust God. We quote Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
But if we’re honest, many of us are doing more leaning on our understanding than we admit. We often try to sit in God’s chair, crafting our own plans, and then asking Him to rubber-stamp them with His blessing.

How often do our prayers sound less like surrender and more like strategy meetings?

“God, Let Me In on the Plan.”

Many of us live like we’re entitled to God’s full blueprint. We forget that faith, by definition, involves the unseen (Hebrews 11:1).
We say, “I trust You,” but then we beg for full disclosure:

“Lord, show me exactly what You’re doing, when You’re doing it, and how it will all turn out.”

But God doesn’t always offer that level of detail—not because He’s withholding, but because He’s cultivating trust. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us:
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Faith doesn’t require all the details. It requires trust in the One who holds them.

“God, Let Me Take the Wheel.”

Sometimes, we take action first and pray later, when the consequences catch up. We might even spiritualize it:

“I’m stepping out in faith.”
But were we really? Or were we stepping out in impatience?

Abraham and Sarah tried to “help” God by orchestrating a plan to fulfill His promise through Hagar (Genesis 16). The result? Generational strife. God’s promises don’t need human manipulation. They need patient trust.

“God, Bless My Mess.”

Even when we’ve gone our own way, God is merciful. But how often do we expect Him to bless decisions made without Him?

James 4:13–15 cautions us against presumption:
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city…’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Inviting God into our plans after they’ve failed isn’t the same as surrender. It’s triage. He may still redeem, but it’s far better to build with Him from the start.

Real Trust Looks Like Surrender

Trust is not passive—it’s deeply active. It looks like praying before deciding, seeking God’s heart before our own will, and obeying even when the path is unclear.

Psalm 37:5 puts it simply:
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Let’s stop trying to get God on board with our plans. Let’s get on board with His.

Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges. Whether it’s waiting for a job, healing, a relationship, or clarity about the future, these seasons often feel unproductive, frustrating, and endless. Yet, the Bible reassures us that waiting is not wasted time—it’s an opportunity for growth, preparation, and deepening our faith.

God often uses these moments to shape us, strengthen us, and align us with His perfect plan. Let’s explore how we can embrace seasons of waiting with trust and purpose.

1. Biblical Examples of Waiting

The Bible is filled with stories of people who waited on God’s timing, often for years or even decades:

Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the promised son, Isaac, after God declared they would be parents.
Joseph endured 13 years of slavery and imprisonment before rising to power in Egypt and seeing his dreams fulfilled.
Hannah prayed fervently for a child and waited until God blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet.

In each of these stories, God was working behind the scenes, preparing these individuals for the fulfillment of His promises. Their waiting wasn’t passive—it was an active season of faith and trust. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

2. Why Waiting Is Important

Seasons of waiting serve a purpose, even if we can’t see it in the moment. Here’s what God might be doing during this time:

Refining Your Character: Waiting can cultivate patience, humility, and perseverance.
Strengthening Your Faith: Trusting God during uncertainty deepens your relationship with Him.
Preparing You for the Next Step: Often, God uses waiting to equip us for what’s ahead, whether it’s a new role, responsibility, or blessing.

“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.” (James 1:2-3)

3. What to Do While You Wait

Instead of viewing waiting as a time of inaction, see it as an opportunity to grow and glorify God. Here are some practical steps:

Pray Continually: Use this time to draw closer to God through prayer. Share your hopes, fears, and frustrations with Him.
Serve Others: Shift your focus outward by finding ways to bless those around you. Serving can bring purpose and joy to a waiting season.
Seek Wisdom: Read Scripture, meditate on God’s promises, and seek counsel from trusted mentors or friends.
Take Small Steps: If there’s something within your control, take action. For example, if you’re waiting for a new job, update your resume or network with others.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4. Trusting God’s Timing

One of the hardest parts of waiting is letting go of our own timelines and trusting God’s. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.

Sometimes, what feels like a delay is actually God protecting us or preparing something far greater than we imagined. Remember, He sees the bigger picture. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

5. Embracing Hope in the Waiting

Seasons of waiting are not void of hope. God promises that He is with us every step of the way. Even in uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that His plans are for our good.

Encouragement:

Write down God’s promises and revisit them daily.
Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray with and encourage you.
Reflect on past seasons where God showed His faithfulness.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Final Thoughts: Waiting with Purpose

Waiting is never easy, but it is an essential part of God’s work in our lives. Instead of rushing through these seasons, let’s lean into them with faith, trusting that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could imagine.

If you find yourself in a season of waiting, know this: God is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good. Trust Him to bring beauty and purpose in His perfect time. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)