“Wait on the Lord.” This phrase was repeated to me countless times growing up in the church. Whenever I struggled to understand why my prayers seemed unanswered, someone would inevitably say, “Wait on the Lord.” This advice, though well-intentioned, can be incredibly challenging to embrace, especially when you’re desperate to see your prayers answered.
My Journey of Waiting on the Lord
There have been many moments in my life where I had to wait on the Lord, but one experience stands out the most. Waiting for the man God had chosen for me to marry was such a hard season of waiting. Growing up in the church, I was blessed with a strong core group of friends who helped teach, guide, and encourage me in my walk with Christ. While these friendships were wonderful, I still longed for a boyfriend and, eventually, a husband. The desire was there, but no boyfriends were in sight.
A Plan
After hearing a testimony in high school about praying for the husband they wanted, I began to create a list of qualities I desired in a husband—both physical and character attributes. I wrote these down and prayed over my list daily, asking God to send me a husband with these qualities. While some attributes on the list evolved over time, the core value of wanting my husband to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior remained at the top.
Throughout high school, I went on a few dates. Before each date, I prayed, “Lord, if this person is meant to be in my life as something more, let it grow, but if not, close the door.” And sure enough, the doors would close. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t have a boyfriend when so many of my friends did. Reflecting on my high school years, I now realize that God was safeguarding my heart and preparing me for the right person. With this hope in mind, I entered college, believing that I would meet my husband.
God’s Perfect Timing: Waiting on the Lord in College
I thought that once I got to college, surely God would open the door, and I would meet my future husband. I had made up a plan that I needed to date, graduate college, get married, and have kids—all by the age of 27! However, as I entered the next chapter of my life, God had different plans in mind, leading me into a season of profound waiting.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
My plans were clearly defined, but they didn’t align with what God had in store for my life. While some people do get married young, and that’s wonderful for them, God’s plans for them are different from His plans for me. It took me a while to figure that out. I had to walk the path He had set for me, which wouldn’t look like my friends’ paths, but it was still going to be good!
Trusting God’s Plan
College came and went, with only a few dates here and there—still no boyfriend and certainly no husband in sight! I began to wonder, “What is wrong with me?” I had been praying fervently for God to answer my prayers and give me the desires of my heart. Where was my husband? I had been waiting for years for my prayers to come to pass. Have you ever had these thoughts? Or have you wondered why your prayers weren’t be answered?
Despite my persistent prayers, the answer seemed distant. As I moved into my teaching career, I clung to several scriptures that provided comfort during this time of waiting:
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT): "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
- This scripture reminded me that the more I trusted in the Lord, the more strength I would have to endure the waiting season. As long as I kept my focus on the Lord, I could keep going and waiting. I didn’t have to settle for anyone; instead, I was able to wait for God’s best for me.
Psalms 27:14 (NLT): "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
- I recited this scripture numerous times during my season of waiting. It was such an encouragement to me to stay strong and wait. There were many times when I didn’t feel patient, as I would cry and pray for God to answer me. However, when I was able to let go and trust Him, patience came.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
- If you’ve read one of my previous blogs, you know this is my favorite verse—the one I always return to when I don’t understand my situation or find myself in a waiting season. I remind myself that God wants good things for His children and that He loves us. Though we endure waiting and hard trials, He has a plan and future for us.
A Season of Growth
During my waiting season, I also began praying for God to shape and mold me into the woman of God and wife that I needed to be. I continued to serve in the church and sought ways to do more for Christ. As I dedicated myself to following God’s lead, little did I know that my journey to LA would bring me face-to-face with the man who would become my husband.
One of my best friends advised, “You’re not married and don’t have kids; now is the perfect time to go and do.” She was absolutely right! After teaching for a couple of years, I packed up and committed to spending six months in LA, ministering to the people there.
The Reward of Waiting on the Lord
Upon arriving in LA, I met the man who is now my husband. We became friends, he asked me to lunch, we started dating, and within a year, he proposed. I couldn’t have written a better love story than the one God crafted for our relationship. We ended up getting married when I was 27! How amazing is it that I had my plans, but God’s plans were for me to wait and trust Him through the tough times and moments of confusion?
The Importance of Waiting
There were so many moments during my season of waiting on the Lord when I wanted to give up. But there was a deeper desire in me to hold out and trust His path and His plans for my life. Every time I felt like giving up, I would speak truth and scripture over my life. This helped me to keep waiting on the Lord and to not give up! I’m so glad I didn’t give up and waited! It was in the waiting that He changed me, my heart, and grew my relationship with Him.
What are you waiting for? Hold out! We serve a faithful God who loves us and wants good things for His children!
