Week 2: When God Feels Slow
Restoration often requires waiting, and waiting is one of the most difficult aspects of the spiritual life. In a culture that values instant results—texts, GPS, streaming—we can become frustrated when God does not work according to our timeline.
But Scripture never treats waiting as wasted time. Instead, waiting is one of God’s primary tools for forming us and preparing us for His promises.
Waiting Forms Dependence
Psalm 27:14 commands us to “wait for the Lord… be strong… take courage.” Strength is not formed in success but in stillness. Likewise, James 1:2–4 reminds us that trials—including seasons of waiting—produce endurance and spiritual maturity.
God’s Timing Is Precise
Galatians 4:4 reveals that Christ came at the “fullness of time.” His arrival was not delayed; it was perfectly timed. The same is true of all God’s promises. As 2 Peter 3:9 explains, God is not slow as we count slowness—He is patient, intentional, and always wise.
Jesus Is Present in the Waiting
While we wait, we are not alone. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to “hold fast the confession of our hope… for He who promised is faithful.” Strength is not found in knowing when God will move but in knowing who God is.
Isaiah 40:31 beautifully promises that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” Trusting God’s character gives strength even when there is no visible progress.
Practicing Faith While Waiting
1. Name What You’re Waiting For (Psalm 62:5–8)
Naming your longing brings it into dialogue with God. It clarifies whether your trust is in the result or in the Lord.
2. Engage the Present with Faithfulness (Colossians 3:23)
Do not wait to obey. Faithfulness in your current season is often the soil where God grows what’s next.
3. Speak Truth Over Discouragement (Hebrews 3:13)
When silence breeds doubt, let Scripture—and godly community—speak louder. God’s promises cut through discouragement.
4. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness (Psalm 77:11–12)
Look back to move forward. Keeping a record of answered prayers and past faithfulness strengthens present hope.
Key Takeaway:
God is not absent in the wait. He is forming you, preparing the promise, and walking with you.
Waiting isn’t wasted—it’s where restoration happens.
Final Thoughts
The journey of restoration is not linear, instant, or easy. It involves recognizing our brokenness and learning to trust God in the delay. But in both brokenness and waiting, Jesus is present. He restores, not by making us better people, but by making us new people—raised, renewed, and rooted in grace.
As we move through this Easter season, may we allow Him to do the deep, restoring work only He can do.