What to do while waiting on God’s timing

Waiting for God’s perfect timing is not a time to be passive and inactive. If we truly believe God will answer our prayer, then we should express that by takings steps of faith. That is true faith – when we work towards what we cannot yet see.

So trust God in the waiting but also do your part to get ready. Because when the waiting season is over, you don’t want to be taken by surprise.

Trusting God in the waiting

Have you have ever experienced that dreadful moment when suddenly you realise, you’re getting older and you are nowhere near where you want to be? Where you should be – by now? That you are called for something else – but are nowhere near it? I have.

I wrote this post a few years ago, right at during such a time (but I never published it). The Holy Spirit encouraged me through these words in Isaiah 66:7.

“Before she was in labour, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child.” Isaiah 66:7 (NKJV)

I had to learn to trust God in my season of waiting. I had to trust, that while I was waiting, he was working behind the scenes even though I didn’t see it.

But trusting God in the waiting also meant, that I had to prepare for what I trusted God for. Trusting and waiting on God is not a passive season, it is very active. Real trust, and real faith calls for action. (Be sure to also read: Rahab: Courageous faith)

So in faith, I prepared for what I could not yet see. As it had to do with the vision and dreams I had for my life, I started writing down my vision and started working towards it. And a few years later, God’s timing came. And it came exactly as I had felt in my spirit when writing these lines.

What does the Bible say about God’s timing

In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah illustrates God’s timing with the example of childbirth. Isaiah 66:7 speaks of a pregnant woman who is waiting to give birth. She is going through her waiting season. Like every mother-to-be, she doesn’t know which day or hour she will go into labour. Then suddenly, before she even feels the slightest hint of labour pain, she has delivered her child.

This is exactly how God could end your waiting season. Even though you have been waiting for so long, and don’t know when the answer to your prayer comes, God can turn your situation around very suddenly. (Read also: Turning a crisis into an opportunity)

When God’s perfect timing comes, it often is like a birth. That is why it is also referred to as a “breakthrough” – God breaks through into our situation. It is like the birth of something new.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, if you feel stuck or feel left on a side-track, God can turn your situation around, from one moment to another, without strife or frustration. When his appointed time comes, God will lift you to a new level; throw you into something entirely new.

Why God makes us wait

So what is the purpose of a season of waiting? To go back to the example of childbirth, no one would deny that the 42 weeks of pregnancy are there for a reason.

The baby need to grow and develop so it can be born healthy and eventually live independently as an adult. Also for the mother, these months are not wasted time. She can prepare for the arrival of her new-born and for the entirely new season in life.

In the same way, there is a purpose when God makes us wait. It is usually a season of preparation for the thing we are waiting for. If you, like I was, are waiting to see your vision in life materialise, then use this time of waiting to build solid foundations.

Building a foundation can be boring and tedious – but it is absolutely necessary. Start with the basics, take small steps, then build on them and continue going forward until the time comes.

There is one thing we should always remember: we can never ever make our “baby” grow faster or force it come at the time we choose. Likewise, we cannot force God’s timing. We have to wait patiently and do our part.

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Four things to do while waiting on God’s timing

While you’re waiting for God’s timing, don’t waste the season of waiting. Like a pregnant woman, be patient and prepare for your “baby”. Nurture your dream, your calling, whatever it is that you are waiting on God for.

1. Acquire the skills you need

If you’re waiting for your dream job: acquire the skills you need for it. If it involves a degree – get that degree!

If you hope to have a family of your own: develop your character (iron sharpens iron!), your social skills, and start setting money aside to provide for your family.

2. Get experience

Start takings small steps in the right direction.

If you feel called into the mission field: learn how to engage with non-believers in the mission field outside your front door!

If you want to become an author, start blogging.

You will become more confident in yourself and in your skills, learn to be humble (God can’t stand our imaginary ‘grandeur’) and show him that you are serious about it.

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 (ESV)

Did you read that? Developing your skills will lead you before the “kings” – decision makers, CEOs, people in leadership position. Mediocre people will only meet mediocre people. (Read also: How to stay focussed on your goals)

3. Stay connected to God

Instead of complaining about your situation to everyone around you, pour your heart out to Him! How much can your best friend help you after all? God hears you and He will inspire and empower you to move forward.

4. Have the right priorities

Does what you are after actually glorify God? Is your desire birthed out of wrong, selfish motives? Is God the centre of your life and your heart?

God wants us to be happy, and lead a fulfilled life. But he is a jealous God. He wants to come first in our life. In every area of our life. So check if you pursue God more than you pursue your dreams.

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Be sure to also read:

• The power of having a vision
• How to write a vision for your life
• 30 Bible verses about vision and purpose