Delay Has a Purpose
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength" - Isaiah 40:31
Waiting can be frustrating, especially when you believe you’re ready for what’s next. You’ve prayed, you’ve prepared, and yet nothing seems to be moving. In those moments, it’s easy to question whether God is listening or whether you misunderstood His direction. But what if the delay is not God ignoring you, but God developing you?
All throughout Scripture, we see waiting seasons shaping people into who they needed to be. Joseph had dreams of leadership, but spent years in prison first. David was anointed king, yet returned to tending sheep before facing a giant or stepping into the throne. Even Jesus waited thirty years before stepping into public ministry. None of that time was wasted. God was preparing their character, refining their faith, and building the foundation for the calling ahead.
The same is true for you. When life feels stuck or slower than you expected, it does not mean God has forgotten you. It means He is working behind the scenes, often doing something in you before He does something through you. Delay is not a punishment. It’s a process. It is the furnace that strengthens your endurance, deepens your dependence, and clarifies your calling.
Instead of rushing through the waiting, lean into it. Ask God what He is teaching you. Let Him stretch your patience, strip away your pride, and secure your trust. The waiting room is often where you gain the wisdom and maturity you’ll need for the blessing on the other side.
If you find yourself waiting today, take heart. Waiting does not mean nothing is happening. It means God is forming something lasting in you. The breakthrough may come later, but the transformation begins now. And when the time is right, what God has prepared for you will meet the version of you that was prepared through the wait.
Waiting can be frustrating, especially when you believe you’re ready for what’s next. You’ve prayed, you’ve prepared, and yet nothing seems to be moving. In those moments, it’s easy to question whether God is listening or whether you misunderstood His direction. But what if the delay is not God ignoring you, but God developing you?
All throughout Scripture, we see waiting seasons shaping people into who they needed to be. Joseph had dreams of leadership, but spent years in prison first. David was anointed king, yet returned to tending sheep before facing a giant or stepping into the throne. Even Jesus waited thirty years before stepping into public ministry. None of that time was wasted. God was preparing their character, refining their faith, and building the foundation for the calling ahead.
The same is true for you. When life feels stuck or slower than you expected, it does not mean God has forgotten you. It means He is working behind the scenes, often doing something in you before He does something through you. Delay is not a punishment. It’s a process. It is the furnace that strengthens your endurance, deepens your dependence, and clarifies your calling.
Instead of rushing through the waiting, lean into it. Ask God what He is teaching you. Let Him stretch your patience, strip away your pride, and secure your trust. The waiting room is often where you gain the wisdom and maturity you’ll need for the blessing on the other side.
If you find yourself waiting today, take heart. Waiting does not mean nothing is happening. It means God is forming something lasting in you. The breakthrough may come later, but the transformation begins now. And when the time is right, what God has prepared for you will meet the version of you that was prepared through the wait.
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6 Comments
Thank you Pastor…I know this word is for many…but I know is was meant for me!!
I remember when I was in prison and I was waiting to come out, it was a long process. Im finally out and free, but now that im out, it's a slow process in where I want to be. Im staying the course, but it is difficult. Thank you for being my pastor, pastor Ed!!!
Love this Pastor Ed!!! Very encouraging word!!!
When I hear wait on the Lord what i think is go lay on the couch and turn the tv on lol. Meanwhile i have sat there worrying about everything i had been only now im slowly getting depressed lol. I am so grateful to have you guys helping me stay on this path. So even while we study these specific verses in detail we also have the benefit of using the whole thing. So now i don’t have to sit on the couch or worry. I can trust God is taking care of me including whatever it is i am worrying about specifically. And I can spend my day ready to serve Him at any opportunity that presents itself. Love you guys and thank you Pastor Ed.
Thank you pastor, I think the Lord is speaking through you directly to me and I’m grateful to have a word such as yours every morning. ❤️
This has been one of the hardest things for me is the weight I’ve been very patient. I tried to learn or God is trying to teach me, but I haven’t quite got it yet. I continue to wait with all I can do.