Waiting on God isn’t passive; it’s an act of faith. If you’re stuck in a season of delay or uncertainty, you’re not alone. Scripture is full of people who waited—and saw God’s faithfulness on the other side.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”
— Psalm 27:14 (CSB)
Waiting can feel like wasted time. But according to the Bible, waiting is often the very place where God is doing His deepest work. David, who penned Psalm 27, knew this firsthand. Before becoming king, he spent years on the run, hiding in caves, facing enemies, and wondering when God would come through. And yet, at the end of it all, he wrote this: Wait for the Lord.
He wasn’t alone in that experience. Throughout Scripture, God’s people had to wait—sometimes for decades—for His promises to come to pass. Here are some who waited and what we can learn from them:
1. Abraham and Sarah – Waiting for a Promise
What they waited for: A child
How long: 25 years
Lesson: God’s promises may not arrive on our timetable, but they are never late.
(Genesis 12:4; 21:5)
2. Joseph – Waiting in the Dark
What he waited for: Fulfillment of dreams, freedom from prison
How long: 13 years
Lesson: God was preparing him in obscurity for influence. Delays often shape our character.
(Genesis 37:2; 41:46)
3. Moses – Waiting in the Wilderness
What he waited for: A second chance to lead
How long: 40 years in Midian, then 40 more in the wilderness
Lesson: God’s calling isn’t always immediate; it’s often forged in solitude.
(Exodus 3:1; Numbers 14:33–34)
4. The Israelites – Waiting for the Land
What they waited for: The Promised Land
How long: 40 years
Lesson: Disobedience can prolong the wait, but God’s faithfulness doesn’t expire.
(Numbers 14:33–34)
5. Hannah – Waiting for a Child
What she waited for: A son
How long: Years of heartbreak
Lesson: Her persistence in prayer led to God’s miraculous provision.
(1 Samuel 1)
6. David – Waiting for the Crown
What he waited for: Becoming king
How long: Around 15 years
Lesson: Even after God calls you, there might be a long season of preparation.
(1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 5:4)
7. Zechariah and Elizabeth – Waiting into Old Age
What they waited for: A child
How long: A lifetime
Lesson: God’s timing often turns impossibility into testimony.
(Luke 1:5–25)
8. Simeon – Waiting to See the Savior
What he waited for: The Messiah
How long: His entire life
Lesson: Faith holds on even when fulfillment feels far off.
(Luke 2:25–30)
9. Jesus – Waiting for His Ministry
What He waited for: The right time to begin His public work
How long: 30 years
Lesson: Even the Son of God waited for the Father’s timing.
(Luke 3:23)
10. The Disciples – Waiting for Power
What they waited for: The Holy Spirit
How long: 10 days after Jesus ascended
Lesson: Sometimes the wait is short, but still requires faith and obedience.
(Acts 1:4–5; 2:1–4)
So what are you waiting for?
Whether it’s healing, direction, reconciliation, or an open door, waiting isn’t a sign that God has forgotten you. It’s often a sign that He’s doing more than you can currently see.
Psalm 27:14 is more than a feel-good verse—it’s a declaration of courage in the face of uncertainty. So be strong. Let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord. He’s never been late, and He won’t start now.
