Patience in the Waiting
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" – Romans 8:25
One of the greatest lessons God teaches us through prayer is patience. We live in a world where nearly everything is instant. We can get answers in seconds, packages delivered in a day, and meals in minutes. So when we pray and God does not answer right away, it can feel frustrating or even discouraging. But often, the waiting is not a sign that God is ignoring us. It is His way of developing patience in us.
If God gave us everything we asked for the moment we prayed, we would never grow. We would see Him as a genie who exists to solve our problems instantly rather than a loving Father who is shaping our character. Quick answers might make life easier in the moment, but they would rob us of the deeper work He wants to do in our hearts.
Waiting on God teaches us to trust Him beyond what we can see. It reminds us that His timing is always better than ours and that what we think is “delay” is often protection or preparation. In the process, our dependence on Him deepens. We learn to seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can give us.
Prayer in the waiting also shifts our perspective. Instead of focusing only on the outcome, we begin to focus on the One we are praying to. We spend more time in His presence, listen more closely for His voice, and learn to find peace in knowing He is working, even when we cannot see it yet.
Patience built through prayer strengthens every part of our faith. It prepares us to handle blessings with humility and trials with endurance. It teaches us that God’s “not yet” is just as loving as His “yes” because it means He is still working out what is best for us.
If you are praying and still waiting for an answer, do not lose heart. The waiting is not wasted. God is using it to grow something in you that is more valuable than an instant solution. Keep trusting, keep praying, and let Him use this time to shape you into who He has called you to be.
One of the greatest lessons God teaches us through prayer is patience. We live in a world where nearly everything is instant. We can get answers in seconds, packages delivered in a day, and meals in minutes. So when we pray and God does not answer right away, it can feel frustrating or even discouraging. But often, the waiting is not a sign that God is ignoring us. It is His way of developing patience in us.
If God gave us everything we asked for the moment we prayed, we would never grow. We would see Him as a genie who exists to solve our problems instantly rather than a loving Father who is shaping our character. Quick answers might make life easier in the moment, but they would rob us of the deeper work He wants to do in our hearts.
Waiting on God teaches us to trust Him beyond what we can see. It reminds us that His timing is always better than ours and that what we think is “delay” is often protection or preparation. In the process, our dependence on Him deepens. We learn to seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can give us.
Prayer in the waiting also shifts our perspective. Instead of focusing only on the outcome, we begin to focus on the One we are praying to. We spend more time in His presence, listen more closely for His voice, and learn to find peace in knowing He is working, even when we cannot see it yet.
Patience built through prayer strengthens every part of our faith. It prepares us to handle blessings with humility and trials with endurance. It teaches us that God’s “not yet” is just as loving as His “yes” because it means He is still working out what is best for us.
If you are praying and still waiting for an answer, do not lose heart. The waiting is not wasted. God is using it to grow something in you that is more valuable than an instant solution. Keep trusting, keep praying, and let Him use this time to shape you into who He has called you to be.
Free Email Devotional - Sign Up Now
Recent
Archive
2026
January
When Prayer Feels Like Bad ReceptionTeach Us to Pray AgainRelationship Over RequestsPulled Toward HeavenWhen God Says No, Slow, Grow, or GoPray Bigger PrayersPray Without Ceasing in Real LifeWhen Persistence Feels PointlessWhen Darkness Reacts to LightWorship as WarfareChains Fall in His PresenceNot Who I Used to BeWhen God Reveals the BattleNo Fear in the Presence of PowerSet Free to WorshipVictory Is NowWhat You Love, You ShareGod Has a Brag Book, and You’re in ItThe Moment You Missed and the Mercy That RemainsBetter Today Than YesterdayAvailability Over AbilityThe Search for SignificanceWhen God Sets Up the MomentExplain the Hope Within YouThe Gospel Starts Where People AreSalt Has to Leave the ShakerWhat Defines You Determines YouYou’re Richer Than You RealizeThe Quiet Sin No One ConfessesYou Can’t Serve Two MastersThe Token That Stopped Spending
2025
January
Why Me?Ordinary but ChosenYour Past Prepares You for God's FutureWhy Not Me?The Burden of PreparationIt’s Bigger Than YouJust Show UpAnchored in PrayerBreakthrough Was Always God's PlanWaiting on Your BreakthroughTransformative Power of PrayerThe Art of PrayerThe God of BreakthroughKryptoniteLifelineThe Dare of DependenceWho Needs Your Prayers?Soaring in PrayerObedience Through PrayerThe Power of Prayer in Overcoming TemptationIs Your Heart Prepared for God's Mighty Work?The Joy of SimplicityPatient in Affliction, Faithful in PrayerBurning PrayersWhile You Wait...He WorksChoosing His Will with Free WillEquipped for Victory: Overcoming Sin from WithinEverydayThe Great I AMSaying Yes to GodOrdinary People, Extraordinary God
February
Freedom from LabelsFaithful Before the AppointmentLabels Don’t Define YouPut Off the ArmorRun Your Own RaceA Champion, Not a ContestantThe Story’s Not OverWhat Really MattersWinning the Battle WithinYou Are Positioned for a PurposeYour Worth Is SetYou Are EnoughTake Off the MaskOn Purpose, For a PurposeKnown. Loved. Enough.What Are You Afraid of Losing?What Are You Trying to Hide?What Are You Still Trying to Prove?What Are You Chasing?Stop Faking ItAre You Living in Fear?Stop Hiding Behind FearLive in God’s TruthOne OpportunityYour Identity Is in ChristYou’re His WorkmanshipYour Weakness Doesn’t Disqualify YouYou’re in God’s Providence

6 Comments
This is great because it’s so true, patience is the key to open all the doors God has waiting for us. Thank you pastor for these messages every day
Thank you, Pastor Ed. Again a message of encouragement that is so timely. I pray that the Lord blesses you and his angels surround you to protect you administer to you. In Jesus name. Name above all names.
There is power in Patience. Gods glory....
Yes those you wait on the Lord, he shall renew their strength (patience) work has been very stressful in the past month and a half. Yesterday I just said to a couple of my colleagues that this too shall pass. This patience message is right on time! Gods blessing and grace be upon you Dr Pastor Ed Newton
God told me to read this because I thought he wasn't speaking to me anymore. Thank you for proving me wrong. I love reading these devotions they have been no coincidences.
Was reading the other day this past week where it was talking about posting a watch man to watch for His promises to come true. I don’t know why I never saw it before like that. Watch for His promises. Listen for His voice. Wait patiently with faith. He has NEVER let me down. Who has a track record like that?