When God Says “Wait”: Finding Strength in Delays and Detours

Because sometimes God’s timing feels like waiting on your wife to get ready…multiplied by eternity.

Let’s Be Real, Waiting Is Hard.

We don’t like waiting:

• At red lights

• For Wi-Fi to connect

• For food delivery

• For our wives to come outside after she already said, “I’m ready, just grab the keys”

• Or for God to move in the area we’ve been praying about for months…or years.

We like action. We like progress. We like results.

So when God says: “Wait.”

We hear: “Do nothing.”

But that’s not what waiting means.

Biblical waiting is not:

• Passive

• Lazy

• Boring

• Weak

Biblical waiting is:

• Active faith

• Spiritual training

• Character formation

• Strength conditioning

• A divine slow cooker, not a microwave

The Problem Is… God’s Timing Doesn’t Match Our Timing

We run on: ASAP.

God runs on: AS NEEDED.

We say: “Lord, speed it up.”

God says: “Son, slow down.”

We say: “But I’m ready.”

God says: “Not yet, I’m building something in you.”

God is not just preparing the blessing, He’s preparing you for the blessing.

If God gave some of us what we’re praying for right now… it would crush us.

Biblical Hall of Fame: Men Who Had to Wait

Abraham

God: “You’ll be the father of nations.” Abraham: “Great, I’ll clear my schedule.” God: “Cool. Let’s start… in 25 years.”

Joseph

Promised leadership at 17. Did not step into it until 30. Spent the in-between years in pits, prisons, and what we would call character boot camp.

David

Anointed as king…but went back to watching sheep. And then spent years dodging spears from the guy sitting in his future seat.

Even Jesus waited.

The Son of God lived 30 years before preaching a single sermon.

If the Savior waited…so can you!

Waiting Doesn’t Mean Nothing Is Happening

Waiting is where:

• Character is shaped

• Pride is exposed

• Patience is built

• Discipline is strengthened

• Faith muscles grow

• Self-reliance dies

Waiting is not a pause in God’s plan, it is part of His plan.

The Truth: Delays Are Not Denials

Sometimes God isn’t saying NO...He’s saying: “I’m doing something you can’t see yet. Trust Me.”

Isaiah 40:31: “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.”

Read that again.

Waiting is where strength is renewed, not lost.

But Let’s Talk About the Real Struggle for Men

When God makes us wait, we feel:

• Frustrated

• Restless

• Useless

• Behind

• Uncertain

• Not “productive”

Men tie purpose to PRODUCTIVITY, but God ties purpose to IDENTITY.

Your worth is not:

• Your job

• Your output

• Your achievements

• Your results

Your worth is: “Son of God.” (1 John 3:1)

Waiting isn’t about what you’re accomplishing.It’s about who you are becoming.

How to Wait Without Losing Your Mind (and Your Faith)

1. Stop Comparing Your Timeline

Comparison is a thief. Someone’s highlight reel is not your calling. Your story is yours on purpose.

2. Ask God: “What Are You Building in Me Right Now?”

He will show you:

• Humility

• Patience

• Faith

• Trust

• Endurance

These are warrior traits.

3. Stay Faithful in the Small Things

Waiting is where consistency counts.

• Pray daily

• Serve faithfully

• Love well

• Lead your home

• Show up even when you feel nothing happening

God promotes the faithful, not the flashy.

4. Remember: God Is Never Late

He’s not slow. He’s precise. He’s strategic. He’s wise.

If He’s delaying, He’s protecting something.

God’s timing sometimes feels like:

“Lord, I am ready for the breakthrough!”God: “I love that enthusiasm, champ. But hold this lesson instead.”

Or:

“God, open the door!”God: “First, I need to fix your heart so you don’t kick the door off the hinges.”

We laugh… because it’s true.

Brother, you are not stuck. You are not behind.Y ou are not forgotten.

You are being prepared.

Your waiting season is not wasted time, it is warrior training time.

And when God moves, it will be:

• Clear

• Powerful

• Purposeful

• Right on time

You won’t have to force it, you’ll just step into it.

⚔️ Call to Action

Before the day ends, pray this: “God, help me trust Your timing. Strengthen me while I wait. Grow me into the man You’ve called me to be.” And then, stay faithful today.

Because your next season is built on your obedience in this season.