“God sees you, God hears you, and He’s making a way—even when you can’t see it yet.”
Waiting can feel like one of the most difficult parts of our faith journey. It stretches us, humbles us, and tests what we really believe about God’s character. If you’ve ever held onto a promise and watched the months—or even years—pass with no change in sight, you know the ache of wondering, Did I hear God right? Did I mess this up? Will this ever happen?
Sarah knew that ache. She waited decades for a child and, at times, struggled to believe that God would truly come through. She even tried to take control by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham, hoping to force the promise forward. But in Genesis 21, something incredible happens: the promise is fulfilled.
“The Lord was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised.”
(Genesis 21:1, NIV)
God wasn’t late. He hadn’t changed His mind. He simply moved at the exact time He intended.
The delay wasn’t punishment—it was preparation.
God’s promises don’t expire. Even when we grow tired of waiting or confused by delays, He is still working. For Sarah, the fulfillment of God’s promise wasn’t just about the birth of Isaac. It was about trusting that God is who He says He is, even when the timeline doesn’t make sense.
Sometimes we mistake God’s silence for absence. But He is never absent—He is always orchestrating things behind the scenes. And when we try to take control, we often add unnecessary pain to our journey.
Sarah’s plan with Hagar created conflict that echoed through generations. It’s a reminder to all of us that stepping outside of God’s timing—even with good intentions—can have lasting consequences.
But even in the missteps, God’s grace remains. He doesn’t revoke His promises because of our failures. He fulfills them in His way, for His glory, and always in His perfect time.
When Isaac is born, Sarah laughs again—but this time, it’s not out of doubt. It’s out of joy.
“Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”
(Genesis 21:6, NIV)
That’s the kind of joy God brings when we wait on Him. The kind of joy that couldn’t have come from shortcuts or self-made solutions. The kind of joy that only comes from trusting His faithfulness even when it’s hard.
So what are you waiting for? A breakthrough, a healing, a reconciliation, a dream you’ve carried in your heart for years?
Whatever it is, know this: God sees you. God hears you. And He has not forgotten you.
Keep praying. Keep hoping. Keep watching for His hand in the quiet moments. His promises are sure, and His timing is perfect—even when it feels impossible.
Father, waiting is hard. It tests our patience, our faith, and sometimes even our trust in You. But today, we choose to believe that You are at work, even when we can’t see it. Remind us that Your promises do not expire and that Your timing is always perfect. Help us to surrender our need for control and to trust that what You have planned is better than anything we could orchestrate ourselves. Give us peace as we wait, faith to keep believing, and joy when Your promise is fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode here: When Waiting Hurts