The waiting season is a unique and often challenging period in our lives. As Christian girls, we have the incredible privilege of anchoring our hope in God’s promises and finding strength in His Word.
In this blog post, we will explore seven biblical principles that can guide us on how to make the most of the waiting season.
Let’s go!
1. Seek God’s Presence
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
In the waiting season, prioritise seeking God’s presence through prayer and spending time in His Word. Draw near to Him, and allow Him to renew your strength and provide guidance for the journey.
See, prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with God. Set aside dedicated time each day to commune with Him. Pour out your heart, share your desires, fears, and struggles, and seek His guidance and wisdom. Be persistent and fervent in prayer, knowing that God hears and answers according to His perfect will (Matthew 7:7-8).
The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, comfort, and guidance. In the waiting season, make it a priority to immerse yourself in Scripture. Set aside regular time for Bible study and meditation. Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart, transform your thinking, and bring clarity to your situation (Psalm 119:105).
Worship is a powerful way to draw near to God and express your love and adoration for Him. Whether through music, singing, or simply declaring His goodness, engage in worship as a form of communion with your Heavenly Father. Worship redirects your focus from the waiting to the One who holds your future (Psalm 95:1-2).
Amidst the busyness of life, carve out moments of stillness to listen to God’s voice. Quiet your heart and mind, and ask Him to speak to you. Be attentive to His gentle whispers, promptings, and nudges. God often speaks in the stillness, and in those moments, you can receive divine direction and comfort (Psalm 46:10).
2. Trust in God’s Timing
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
Remember that God’s timing is perfect. Acknowledge and embrace the sovereignty of God. Remember that He is in control of every aspect of your life, including the timing of His plans for you. Trust that His ways are higher and His thoughts are greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Surrender your desires and plans to Him, knowing that He knows what is best for you. and that He will fulfil His promises in due time.
Waiting requires patience and trust in God’s timing and faithfulness. Embrace patience and allow God to mould and shape you during this season of waiting. Remind yourself of His promises and faithfulness throughout history by immersing yourself in the promises found in God’s Word. Discover and meditate on the verses that remind you of His faithfulness, goodness, and provision. These promises act as an anchor for your faith, giving you assurance that God’s timing is perfect (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Shift your perspective from solely focusing on the waiting season to embracing God’s purposes in your life. Trust that He has a purpose and plan for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6). Consider the lessons, growth, and preparation that may be taking place during this time. Trust that God is using the waiting season to shape and equip you for His plans (Jeremiah 29:11).
3. Develop a Faithful Character
“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14, ESV)
God uses the waiting season to refine our character and cultivate godly virtues within us. As we wait, He purges impurities, strengthens our faith, and molds us into women of integrity, compassion, and love. He also cultivate virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We should also be diligent in pursuing holiness, knowing that God is preparing you for His purposes. The waiting season becomes a training ground for developing Christ-like character (Romans 5:3-4).
Also, the waiting season teaches us humility and dependence on God. Recognise that you are not in control and surrender your plans and desires to God. Trust that He knows what is best for you. Cultivate a humble heart that seeks God’s guidance and relies on His strength rather than your own (James 4:10).
Contentment is key to developing a faithful and godly character in the waiting season. Rather than dwelling on what you lack or desire, focus on being grateful for what God has provided. Embrace contentment by trusting that God’s plan is perfect and that He will provide according to His wisdom and love (Philippians 4:11-13).
4. Serve Others
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Use the waiting season as an opportunity to serve others selflessly. Look for opportunities to bless and encourage those around you. Volunteer at your church, reach out and extend love and compassion to those in need, and practice acts of kindness. By serving others, you reflect the heart of Christ and find fulfilment in the process (Galatians 5:13).
Take advantage of digital platforms to serve others virtually. Participate in online prayer groups, write encouraging blog posts, create uplifting social media content, or engage in online mentoring programs. Use your skills and gifts to spread the message of hope and inspire others in their faith journey (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Sometimes, the most meaningful service we can offer is being a good listener and friend. Take time to genuinely listen to others, offer a shoulder to lean on, and provide emotional support. Be present in the lives of those around you, offering encouragement and praying for them. Your presence and care can make a significant difference (Romans 12:15).
Identify your unique talents and skills and find ways to utilise them to serve others. If you are musically inclined, consider joiinj the praise and worship team at your church or performing at local nursing homes. If you love teaching, utilising your teaching skills by holding bible study group meetings or tutoring lessons for children for their exams. Your talents can bring joy and inspiration to those around you (1 Peter 4:10).
5. Cultivate a Grateful Heart
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Maintain an attitude of gratitude throughout your waiting season. Choose to focus on the blessings in your life rather than dwelling on what you lack. Gratitude shifts your perspective from what you lack to what you have and fosters contentment in God’s provision. Instead of dwelling on what you are waiting for, intentionally focus on the present moment and the blessings that surround you. Train your mind to see the beauty and goodness in your current circumstances (Philippians 4:8).
In a practical sense, take time each day to intentionally count your blessings. Make a gratitude list or keep a gratitude journal where you write down things you are thankful for. Focus on both big and small blessings, recognising God’s goodness in every area of your life. Cultivating gratitude begins with acknowledging the gifts and blessings already present (Psalm 103:2).
Another practical way you can cultivate a grateful heart is to incorporate prayer and thankfulness into your daily routine. Start and end your day with a prayer of gratitude, thanking God for His provision, guidance, and love. Throughout the day, offer up spontaneous prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings you encounter. Cultivating a habit of gratitude through prayer keeps your heart centered on God’s goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Lastly, rather than waiting for a specific outcome or future event to bring joy, seek joy in the present moment. Find joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or pursuing hobbies. Embrace the opportunities for growth and discovery that the waiting season brings, finding joy in the journey (Psalm 118:24).
6. Surrender to God’s Plan
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:5, ESV)
Release your desires and plans to God, surrendering to His perfect will. Recognise that His plans for you are far greater than anything you could imagine. Trust that He will direct your steps and bring about His purposes in your life (Psalm 37:23-24). Release the need to control every aspect of your life. Surrender your plans, desires, and expectations to God. Trust that He knows what is best for you, even if it doesn’t align with your own understanding. Letting go of control allows you to open yourself up to God’s leading and experience His peace (Psalm 37:5).
Develop a surrendered heart by continually submitting your desires and plans to God. Surrender is not a one-time event but a daily posture of the heart. Surrender your fears, doubts, and worries to Him, and invite Him to take control. Surrendered hearts experience the freedom and peace that come from trusting in God’s plan (Romans 12:1-2).
Anchor your surrender in the promises of God’s Word. Meditate on verses that remind you of His faithfulness, goodness, and love. Keep a collection of Scripture that speaks to surrender and refer to them when doubts or fears arise. Allow His promises to build your faith and reinforce your trust in His plan (2 Peter 1:4).
7. Encourage and Seek Community
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Connect with fellow believers who can support and uplift you during your waiting season. Engage in Bible studies, join prayer groups, and build relationships within your church community. Together, you can encourage one another and grow in your faith (Hebrews 10:25).
Find mentors and spiritual advisors who can provide guidance and wisdom during the waiting season. Seek out individuals who have walked a similar path and have experienced the faithfulness of God. Their insights and counsel can offer encouragement, accountability, and a broader perspective on your own journey (Proverbs 13:20).
Invest in building authentic friendships with other Christian girls. Seek out individuals who share your values, faith, and passions. Be intentional about spending time together, whether through coffee dates, walks, or shared hobbies. Authentic friendships provide a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement during the waiting season (Proverbs 18:24).
Take the initiative to encourage others in their own waiting seasons. Reach out to fellow believers, listen to their stories, and offer words of encouragement and support. Pray for them and remind them of God’s faithfulness. By becoming an encourager, you create a ripple effect of positivity and strengthen the bonds of community (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Also, be an encourager to those who may have come to the end of their waiting season. Don’t be jealous because it is where you want to be, rather celebrate with them. This means that the blessing is closer than you think.
In the waiting season, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, grow in character, and serve others with love and compassion. By embracing these biblical principles and anchoring ourselves in God’s Word, we can navigate this season with hope, joy, and purpose.
Remember, God is faithful, and His plans for you are extraordinary. Trust in His timing, seek His presence, and thrive in the waiting season.
Stay blessed,
Divine L.
Hi, I am Divine L., your sister-in-F.A.I.T.H., who is passionate about discipling Christian girls to be a walking embodiment of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and to help young girls and woman become who God destined for them to become. It is a great blessing to welcome you to the F.A.I.T.H. sisterhood!