3 Things to Keep in Mind While Waiting on God

Even the most devout Christians can feel abandoned when God doesn’t answer their prayers. But God is always working and wants us to have faith in His plan. Here are three things to keep in mind while waiting on God.

When Jesus spent his last few moments on the cross, he asked, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46) There are moments when we feel as though God has abandoned us because we pray and pray, but He hasn’t answered. These moments bring to mind the following verse from the Gospel of Matthew: “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).

Even in your darkest hour, it’s important to remember that God hasn’t abandoned you. He only asks that you wait patiently for His plan. Here are three things to keep in mind while waiting on God.

1. God Works on a Different Timeline

Recall that 2 Peter 3:8 tells us, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” We know our time on earth is insignificant compared to our eternal reward in Heaven.

In seasons of waiting, resources like the BibleProject’s Hope video remind us how biblical hope anchors us even when answers feel far away.

2. God Asks That You Have Faith

The Book of Job illustrates this truth — Job stayed faithful despite suffering and was later restored. As Job 23:10 teaches, “when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

If you’re wrestling with why good things happen to bad people, the BibleProject’s Faithful video offers encouragement about God’s unwavering presence during trials.

3. God Wants Us to Live a Joyful Life

Romans 15:13 promises: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

We can choose joy even as we wait. Worship, prayer, and daily reminders of His promises help us live joyfully — not only when prayers are answered, but in the waiting itself.