Have you ever wanted something so deeply that it feels like the waiting might break you? Maybe you’ve prayed, asking God for a breakthrough—a job, a relationship, healing, or clarity—and yet, nothing seems to be happening. It’s easy to wonder, Why hasn’t it come yet? I’m doing everything right. So why not now?
But let me ask you this: After you’ve prayed, what do you do?
Do you sit back and wait, assuming God will just drop it into your lap? Do you grow frustrated, complaining about how long it’s taking? Or do you start working on yourself, preparing for the blessing you’ve asked for?
I’ll never forget a moment in my life that taught me this lesson in a profound way. I was playing in a championship basketball game, and we lost. After the game, the referee came up to me and said, “The reason your team lost is because of you.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Me? I had led the team in scoring! If it weren’t for me, we wouldn’t have even made it that far. But instead of brushing off his comment, I asked, “What do you mean?”
He looked me straight in the eye and said, “You’re only half a player. You can’t dribble with your left hand. If you could, you’d have avoided those traps, and you would’ve seen more opportunities to help your team.”
At first, it stung. But then I realized he was right. Instead of making excuses or ignoring his advice, I made a decision. I was going to fix that weakness. Every single day after that, I practiced dribbling with my left hand—again and again—until it became just as strong as my right.
The next time I stepped on the court, I wasn’t just ready; I was unstoppable. Not only did we win the championship that year, but the referee came back to me and said, “Nice job.”
Now, think about your own life. Are you praying for something but not preparing for it?
The Bible reminds us in James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead.” Faith isn’t just about asking—it’s about doing. It’s about trusting God’s timing while actively becoming the person who can handle what you’re asking for.
For example, if you’re praying for a job, are you developing the skills you’ll need for that role? If you’re asking for a spouse, are you becoming the kind of partner you’d want to be with? If you’re seeking direction, are you spending time in God’s Word, listening for His guidance?
Sometimes the delay isn’t denial; it’s preparation. God, in His infinite wisdom, may withhold what you’re asking for because He knows you’re not ready—or that receiving it too soon might harm you.
Think back to my basketball game. I thought I was ready, but I wasn’t. It took someone challenging me to see what I needed to work on. Similarly, God uses the waiting season to refine us, to shape us into who we need to be.
Here’s the truth: God will never give us something we’re not prepared to handle. And when He does bless us, it will come at the right time—when we’re spiritually and emotionally mature enough to receive it.
So, what are you doing during your waiting season? Are you complaining, growing weary, or doubting God’s goodness? Or are you leaning into His presence, asking Him to reveal what He wants you to learn, how He wants you to grow?
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Your waiting period isn’t wasted—it’s an opportunity. Use it to draw closer to God, to develop the skills, the patience, and the character you’ll need when your prayer is answered.
The next time you ask God for something, pause and reflect: Am I truly ready for what I’m asking for?
Here is a simple prayer for you: Lord, help me to use this waiting season to grow in faith and prepare for what You have planned. Teach me to trust Your timing and align my heart with Your will. Amen.
God’s timing is always perfect. If you’re faithful in the waiting and diligent in your preparation, what He has for you will come at the right moment. Trust Him—He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
