We all experience waiting seasons in life. It’s that period where you’re not quite where you want to be, but you’re also not where you used to be. You’re in a liminal space, an “in-between.” This could be waiting for:
- A job offer
- A relationship to flourish
- Healing from an illness
- A prayer to be answered
- Personal growth and development etc.
From a Christian perspective, the waiting season is often seen as a time of refinement. It’s when God works on our character, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for what’s to come. It’s a time when we are called to trust in God’s timing, even when we don’t understand it. It is also a time to learn to lean on God for strength, and to trust that he has a plan for our lives.
Think about Joseph in the Bible. He waited years—through betrayal, prison, and hardships—before stepping into his God-given purpose. Yet, in that waiting, God was shaping him into a leader.
What does it mean to “wait with grace”
Waiting with grace isn’t about passive resignation. It’s about active trust and purposeful living while you wait. It means:
- Maintaining a positive attitude despite uncertainty.
- Using the time productively.
- Trusting in a higher power or a positive outcome.
- Cultivating inner peace.
- Allowing God to shape us and mold us into the people he wants us to be.
What Is the Waiting Season?
The waiting season is that period between where you are and where you want to be. It can feel uncertain, lonely, or even discouraging, but it’s also a time of preparation and growth.
So, how do you wait with grace? Here are some ways to embrace the waiting season with faith and patience:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to feel frustrated, anxious, or disappointed. Don’t suppress your emotions. Acknowledge them, process them, and then choose to focus on hope. For example, if you are waiting for a job offer, it is ok to feel anxious, but do not let it consume you.
2. Focus on What You Can Control and leave the rest
Instead of dwelling on the things you can’t change, focus on what you can. If you’re waiting for a job, refine your skills, network, and apply for other positions. If you are waiting on a relationship, work on yourself.
3. Trust That God Has a Plan
It’s easy to feel forgotten when you’re waiting, but remember, God is never late. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that He has plans to prosper us, not harm us. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, focus on trusting that God is working everything out in His perfect timing.
4. Pray Without Ceasing
Waiting with grace means staying connected to God through prayer. It’s okay to tell Him your frustrations, but also take time to listen. Sometimes, His response isn’t immediate, but He always hears you.
5. Serve Others While You Wait
Shifting the focus from yourself to others can bring unexpected joy and purpose. Volunteer, mentor someone, or simply be present for friends and family. Serving others reminds us that life is still meaningful, even in the waiting.
6. Find Joy in the Present
Don’t put your life on hold while you wait. Find joy in the present moment, even amidst uncertainty. Enjoy the small things, spend time with loved ones, and pursue activities that bring you joy.
7. Speak Life Over Your Situation
Instead of constantly saying, “I’ll never get there” or “This is taking too long,” speak faith-filled words over your future. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Choose to declare God’s promises instead of your doubts.
8. Remember That the Waiting Won’t Last Forever
Sometimes, what we’re waiting for doesn’t come in the way we expect. Stay open to God’s plan, even if it looks different from yours. His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9), and He knows what’s best.
9. Remember That the Waiting Won’t Last Forever
No season lasts forever, including the waiting season. Just as winter eventually turns to spring, your waiting will come to an end, and when it does, you’ll look back and see God’s hand in every step.
Life Example:
Imagine someone waiting for medical test results. Instead of spiraling into anxiety, they choose to:
- Acknowledge their fear and talk to a friend.
- Focus on eating healthy and exercising.
- Practice gratitude for their current health.
- Spend time reading and relaxing.
- They pray, and trust in God’s plan.
This person is waiting with grace, choosing to live fully even in the midst of uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
Waiting with grace isn’t about pretending it’s easy—it’s about trusting God, growing in faith, and making the most of the season you’re in. So instead of seeing waiting as wasted time, see it as preparation time. Your breakthrough is coming—just hold on with grace.
