Day 24 — When God Says “Wait”

“Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!”

— Psalm 27:13–14 (BSB)

Waiting is hard. Waiting for Christmas morning. Waiting in a long line. Waiting to hear back about the team tryout. Waiting to grow taller. Sometimes it feels like the whole world is saying, “Not yet.”

Sometimes it feels like God says that too. You pray and pray, and nothing seems to happen. Did God not hear? Doesn’t He care?

Here’s something important to know: God always hears your prayers, and He always answers. But His answer isn’t always “yes.” Sometimes it’s “no,” because He knows something better. And sometimes it’s “wait.”

Think about Abraham. God promised Abraham and his wife Sarah that they would have a son. But Abraham was already 75 years old! Then they waited. And waited. And waited. They waited 25 years. Abraham was 100 years old when their son Isaac was finally born. God kept His promise, right on His own schedule.

David wrote Psalm 27 during a hard and scary time. Look at how he chose to wait. First, he was “certain to see the goodness of the LORD.” He trusted that God’s goodness was coming, even if he couldn’t see it yet.

Second, he said to “be strong and courageous” while waiting. That’s interesting, isn’t it? Waiting takes courage! It’s brave to keep trusting God when nothing seems to be happening. It’s brave to keep praying instead of giving up.

Waiting isn’t wasted time. While you wait, God is growing something in you: patience, trust and a stronger faith. A seed buried in the ground looks like nothing is happening. But under the soil, roots are growing.

So if you’re waiting on God for something, don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep trusting. He hasn’t forgotten you.

Think about it: Is there a prayer you’ve been waiting on God to answer? How could you be “strong and courageous” while you wait?

Try this: Write down a prayer you are waiting on, and today’s date. Keep praying about it. When God answers, write down how.

Dear God, waiting is hard. Help me trust that You hear me and that You know the best time for everything. Make me strong and courageous while I wait. I believe I will see Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.