Are We Waiting on God, or Is God Waiting on Us?
I first wrote this article some years ago, when I felt God was nudging me toward something new. I could sense that a shift was coming, but I couldn’t quite reach it. Maybe you’ve felt the same, knowing deep down that God has given you a promise or dream, yet feeling like it’s always just out of reach.
When this happens, our natural response can be to push harder, manipulate situations, or try to force doors open. But when the promise itself becomes the thing we worship, it turns into an idol. God, in His love, leads us with his rod and staff. Sometimes we need discipline and other times a warning or a nudge in the right direction when we tend to stray. When we are conscious we will recognise patterns and ask the right questions: what do we need to release, what do we need to grow, or what is God teaching me, before the promise can come to pass?
In other words; Are we waiting on God, or is God waiting on us?
We Are Called to Be Holy
I wasn’t always walking with the Lord. In my earlier life, I loved the party scene in Jamaica. If there was an event, I was there dancing, laughing, and soaking up the atmosphere. Fast forward to today, and I no longer feel drawn to those spaces. This past summer, I noticed the shift clearly. While I skipped most events, I did attend the ones where I could connect with business owners and community leaders.
Do we know where we are going? And do we have the character for where we are going?
In Ephesians 4 and 5, Paul reminds us that living as Christians means walking in love; to sum it up, we are to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV. We are to walk in love just as Christ loved us, this requires sacrifice Ephesians 5:2 NIV. Doing everything with thanksgiving and understanding the Lord’s will. Ephesians 5:17 NIV. On the flip side, we are called to reject impurity, greed, foolish talk, and fruitless deeds of darkness. Simply put, we are called to holiness.
Holiness isn’t about perfection it’s about allowing God through the power of the Holy Spirit to shape our character into His. It’s a lifelong process of spiritual growth and renewal. God is waiting for us to mature into the people who can handle the promise.
Are we ready?
Are We Waiting On God?
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 40:30–31 NIV.
I’ve always been outgoing. I enjoy meeting new people and exploring new things. But in recent years, God has been teaching me about myself, why I have certain tendencies, and how He is shaping me into His likeness. I still go out, but not for the music or the scene. Now I go for the people, the conversations, and the opportunities to connect with purpose.
That’s the thing about God’s preparation: it’s never random. Before He sends us out, He gives us knowledge of ourselves. He teaches us to recognize our strengths, but also our weaknesses. Those weaknesses, when surrendered, can also become tools He uses for our good.
Waiting seasons often feel uncomfortable. They can seem mundane or even disappointing compared to the big vision in our hearts. But these seasons are never wasted. Every lesson, every small assignment, every “no” is preparing us for the work God has already prepared for us.
The key is to pay attention to the lessons God is teaching us. Too often, we miss the lessons because they don’t look like what we imagined.
While We Wait
So, what should we do while we wait on God’s promise?
Focus on God: God alone is enough
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you,” Matthew 6:33. We say this often, but do we live it? Seeking God means more than calling Him Savior, it means surrendering to Him as Lord. It means letting Him guide every part of our lives, from our daily decisions to the bigger dreams we hold close. Deepening our relationship with Him.
I did not always wait well. Now I have learned to stop, listen, and reflect. For me, focusing on God has meant asking deeper questions: Am I aligning my life with His will? Am I inviting Him to lead, or am I still trying to control the outcome? Am I modelling those core values that Jesus modelled while He was here on earth? I ask these questions knowing full well that He is the God who knows all, and sees all. And that He is with me, so instead of striving, I surrender allowing Him to show me or send me.
Take Care of Ourselves: prioritizing selfcare
As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to put ourselves on the list. Parenting can easily become all-consuming. At times, I didn’t even know who I was apart from my children. That was a wake-up call.
Sometimes even good things like caring for family can become idols if we lose sight of our full identity in Christ. Waiting seasons are a chance to take inventory: Do we remember who we are? Are we growing spiritually? Are we growing our strengths or gifts? What do I need to release?
I’ve learned that caring for myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically is not selfish, it’s stewardship. God needs us whole so we can serve well.
Are we walking by the flesh or by the spirit?
When I was applying for jobs I used to be proud of the fact that I had over fifteen years experience in the sciences. However to the employers that meant nothing. I had to learn to write my resume in such a way that I showed the results for every job or assignment undertaken.
One issue I recognize with the christian community is that people believe that because they got baptized when they were nine years old, or because they don’t drink or smoke that they are walking with the Lord or by the spirit.
Even when we are serving wholeheartedly we might be walking in our flesh. Did God actually call us to do the things we are doing? Or did we take it up on ourselves? It is ok to try things out, but what is the fruit? If we are walking by the spirit, whatever we do must bear fruit in its due season.
Remember Who We are
When I first came to the U.S., I struggled with the idea of starting over, despite having a PhD and years of experience. I wrestled with feelings of diminished worth because my value was tied to a job and earning.
Over time God had to teach me: our worth is not in what we do or how much we earn but in who we are. We carry skills, gifts, passions, and experiences that are valuable regardless of how much we make. And as believers, we carry spiritual gifts that set us apart. Do we know what sets us apart?
When we know who we are, we give ourselves permission to take the opportunities that God offers us. We also navigate delays, reroutings, and disappointments differently, knowing that the rain fall on the just and the unjust and that we will overcome.
Do we know where we are going?
During my PhD, I knew one thing for certain: I didn’t want to become a professor. What I didn’t know was what I actually wanted. By the end of my program, I realized I had gained both broad and specialized knowledge not just from the PhD but from other past experiences. The idea of becoming a consultant came to mind. It seemed like the perfect fit.
But after doing some research, I shut the idea down. At the time, the role felt too demanding, and with a young child to care for, I put that dream aside and eventually forgot it altogether.
Yet God had other plans. He began training me in unexpected ways first through writing, then through speaking. What I thought were the destination were actually training grounds for the real dream to become a consultant.
When we don’t know where we’re going, we can easily find ourselves circling in the wilderness, jumping from one job to the next, chasing a higher paycheck instead of pursuing purpose. We can also do this in relationships. But why do we so often forget our dreams?
Try Not To Fall Into the Trap of Complaining
Waiting can test our patience. As a dreamer and a doer, I know what it’s like to feel ready and capable, yet not see the doors opening. It’s tempting to get frustrated, complain, or even blame others.
But I’ve learned to pause and ask: Holy Spirit, what are you teaching me here?
Psalm 75:6–7 reminds us that promotion doesn’t come from the east or the west it comes from God. However, if we have the means we can also promote ourselves. We need to wait (and prepare). And often, when we finally say, “Lord, I’m not ready, I cannot do this without You,” that’s when He knows we truly are ready.
Are we waiting on God or Is He Waiting on Us?
While we may feel that we’re waiting on God, often He is waiting on us. Waiting for us to forgive. Waiting for us to release control. Waiting for us to grow into the people who can steward His promises well.
2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but patient with us. His delays are not denials they’re opportunities for us to grow, to repent, and to align with His will.
When I reread the words I wrote almost four years ago, I can hardly believe how much has shifted in me since then. It’s a reminder that spiritual growth is ongoing, and renewal is daily.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:33. The troubles we face and our waiting is not wasted. Each season has a purpose. Each lesson is preparation.
So, whether we feel like we’re waiting on God, or realizing that He might be waiting on us, lean in. Let us seek His kingdom. Allowing Him to prepare us. And trust that when the time is right, the promise will come true.
There was much to say on this topic, there needs to be a part 2. We will see where the Lord leads us next week.
With grace and growth,
Sanchia and team
Audio Version
Please find the audio version here.