“But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” – Isaiah 40:31
What Does The Bible Say About Waiting On God
Waiting on God is a practice that requires patience, trust, and faith. The Bible teaches us that waiting on God is not about sitting idle or being passive; instead, it is a time when we actively trust in God’s plan, knowing that He works in His perfect timing. It is often during these moments of waiting that God strengthens us, builds our character, and prepares us for what lies ahead.
While waiting, we learn to rely on His wisdom and trust that His ways are higher than our own. It is important to remember that God is never late; His timing is always right, even though it may not always match our expectations or desires. Waiting on God also means surrendering our own plans and trusting that He will provide what we need when we need it.
In times of waiting, we should remain prayerful, patient, and hopeful, knowing that God’s answers will come in His perfect timing. Waiting on God teaches us to lean on His understanding rather than our own, allowing Him to guide us in the right direction.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting God First
Waiting on God for Strength
Waiting on God renews our strength when life becomes overwhelming. The Bible encourages us to trust Him during difficult times and assures us that He will sustain us. When we wait on God, we gain the energy to keep going and the patience to endure challenges, knowing that He is in control and His timing is perfect.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”
Psalm 27:14
“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God.”
Exodus 14:14
“God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”
Psalm 37:7
“Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.”
Waiting on God in Prayer
Prayer is a powerful way to wait on God, expressing our trust and dependence on Him. Through prayer, we bring our requests, struggles, and hopes before the Lord, trusting that He hears us. Waiting in prayer builds our faith as we rely on His wisdom and power to work in our lives.
Philippians 4:6
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
Matthew 6:33
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray all the time.”
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvellous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
Psalm 62:5
“God, the one and only—I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?”
Waiting on God for His Promises
The Bible is filled with promises from God, and waiting for their fulfilment requires faith and patience. His promises remind us that He is faithful and will accomplish all He has spoken. Trusting God’s promises gives us hope, even when the answers seem delayed.
2 Peter 3:9
“God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost.”
Hebrews 10:23
“Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”
Numbers 23:19
“God is not man, one given to lies, and not a son of man changing his mind. Does he speak and not do what he says? Does he promise and not come through?”
Isaiah 55:11
“So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.”
Romans 8:25
“But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.”
Waiting on God for Guidance
Waiting on God allows Him to direct our steps and lead us in His perfect plan. When we pause to seek His will instead of rushing ahead, we show our trust in His wisdom. His guidance ensures that we walk in paths of righteousness and avoid mistakes that could lead to harm.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Psalm 25:4-5
“Show me how you work, God; school me in your ways. Take me by the hand; lead me down the path of truth. You are my Saviour, aren’t you?”
James 1:5
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.”
Isaiah 30:21
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Psalm 32:8
“Let me give you some good advice; I’m looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight: Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.”
Waiting on God for Healing
Waiting on God for healing can be one of the most challenging experiences. Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, the Bible assures us that God is our healer. In the waiting, we learn to trust His timing and rest in His peace, knowing that He cares for us deeply and has a purpose even in the pain.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds.”
Jeremiah 17:14
“God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!”
Isaiah 53:5
“But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises, we get healed.”
James 5:15
“Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.”
Exodus 15:26
“I am God your healer.”
Waiting on God with Patience
Patience is key when waiting on God. The Bible reminds us that His ways and timing are higher than ours. Learning to be patient during the waiting season develops our faith and character, making us more like Christ. Patience enables us to trust God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.
Romans 12:12
“Cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.”
Galatians 6:9
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Colossians 1:11
“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.”
Psalm 130:5
“I pray to God—my life a prayer—and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning.”
Waiting on God for Deliverance
The Bible teaches us that God is our deliverer, and He works in His perfect time to rescue us from trouble. Waiting for deliverance requires trust in His power and faithfulness. While we wait, we can be confident that God sees our struggles and will bring us through with His mighty hand.
Psalm 34:17
“Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.”
2 Samuel 22:2
“God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight.”
Exodus 14:13
“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today.”
Psalm 40:1
“I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Waiting on God for His Return
The ultimate waiting in the Christian life is for the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible encourages believers to live with anticipation and readiness for His second coming. Waiting for His return fills us with hope, reminding us that this world is not our final home and that eternal joy awaits us.
John 14:3
“When everything’s ready, I’ll come and get you so you can live where I live.”
Revelation 22:12
“Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Titus 2:13
“This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, appears.”
Matthew 24:42
“So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master.”
Christian Quotes on Waiting on God
“Waiting on God is not a passive activity, it is an active pursuit of His presence. It is a time when God works within us, transforming us from the inside out, so that we become more like Christ. In those moments of waiting, we learn to trust God’s timing, and we realize that He is preparing us for something greater.” – Joyce Meyer
“God is never in a hurry. He is always on time. We must learn to wait in anticipation for His perfect will to unfold, knowing that in the waiting, we grow in faith and trust.” – Rick Warren
“Waiting on God is not about doing nothing. It’s about doing what God has called you to do while waiting for His answer. It’s about trust, and faith, and patience, knowing that He will answer when the time is right.” – T.D. Jakes
“The process of waiting on God refines us. It strengthens our resolve, increases our endurance, and teaches us to rely on His perfect timing rather than our own understanding.” – Charles Stanley
“The key to waiting on God is patience. It’s trusting that God is in control and He will answer when the time is right, not when we want it to be. It’s about letting go of our agenda and allowing His will to unfold in our lives.” – John Piper
“God is not ignoring you when you’re waiting. He’s preparing you for something greater. Every moment of waiting is a moment of growth, both spiritually and emotionally.” – Bill Hybels
“The waiting seasons are often the most important ones in our walk with God. It is in those moments that He shapes our character, refines our hearts, and teaches us to trust Him more fully.” – Christine Caine
“We must wait on God with the assurance that He is working behind the scenes. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean God is not active in our lives. His plans are unfolding in ways we cannot understand.” – Beth Moore
“When we wait on God, we are not idly sitting by. We are learning to surrender to His perfect plan, knowing that His timing is always best, even when it doesn’t align with our own.” – Priscilla Shirer
“Waiting on God requires trust. Trust that He sees what we cannot, and trust that He is working everything together for our good, even when it doesn’t make sense.” – Andy Stanley
Final Thought
Waiting on God is often seen as a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is a necessary one for spiritual growth. As we wait on God, we learn to trust His timing, develop patience, and recognize that His ways are far higher than our own. The Bible assures us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Each season of waiting serves to refine our character, increase our faith, and prepare us for the future He has planned. It is in the waiting that we come to realize that God’s timing is always perfect, and His plan for our lives is far greater than we could ever imagine. Therefore, we can rest in the assurance that as we wait, God is working in us and through us, drawing us closer to Him and preparing us for the great things He has in store.