Brave in the Wait How to Hold On When The Wait Seems Too Long

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Psalm 27:13-14)

The Problem: Prayer Taking Too Long to Come to Pass

When the answers are taking too long to come to fruition, trouble mounts, and you are overwhelmed on every side. The trouble seems to be never-ending.

In the natural, it appears that God is indifferent to our pain, and the struggles we face are at any moment going to overtake us.

What do you do? How do you wait in faith?

The Answer

It is not easy, but the answer is: remind yourself of the horrific pain Jesus Christ went through on your behalf; remind yourself of the overwhelming love it took to go through that when He was human and felt it all.

Then, trust Him that, as the Word says, He "Will never fail or forsake you." It is called blind faith.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We are not always called to understand everything God does, His timing, and why. He is God, and we are not. We are called to trust Him. Read the Bible, review history, and review your history with God. He is trustworthy; He is faithful. Allow that to be your anchor of hope.

The love it took for Jesus to endure so much pain and rejection, while feeling every bit of it, should conquer any doubt you have of His unconditional love.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Jesus knew why He came; He knew what He would face, and He still chose to do it. He knows our actions even before we do them, and He still chose to die for your sins. This is proof enough of His unconditional, never-ending love.

"The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." (Jeremiah 31:3)

The love it took for Jesus to know in advance the pain He would endure shows His overwhelming love and mercy. Since He went through pain, rejection, and more, He is able to understand us and be merciful.

"Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being [j]tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:14-18)

What To Do While Waiting

1. You keep reading your Bible; it is "The bread of life."

2. You stay intimate with God by spending time with Him, praising Him, giving Him thanks, gratitude, and appreciation for what you have and what He has done and brought you through already.

3. Keep doing what you know to do, the work of your hands.

4. Reminders: remind yourself of His love, the death on the cross, the fact that He did it, and that it is free to you! Remind yourself that earth is temporary and so is what we go through, but eternity, it is forever. Remind yourself of Bible verses that encourage and bring you hope; put them on a 3x5 card to keep with you.

5. Listen to praise music! God inhabits the praises of His people. So sing along; raise and praise; it keeps the devil away! He will not stick around to depress you and praise God with you!

The Answer Will Come; It Is Promised

The answer will come; God is faithful.

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does." (Psalm 145:13)

There is a time for everything, and at the right time, God will make it happen. Trust Him; He is your anchor of hope.

"The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” (Isaiah 60:22)

Victory is promised; you will not be overtaken!

"But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Be Encouraged by my Book: God's Love--about the Many Facets of God's Love

Can we pray for you? Visit the Contact Us page for any special prayer requests.

"Father, please help this one who is reading; give them strength and encouragement. Place Bible verses in their path that will be an anchor of hope for them in this season. Give them a glimpse of the answer for encouragement to continue on in faith. Provide and protect them in their daily path. In Jesus' name, amen."