The Courage to Wait

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

— Psalm 27:14

Patience is not passive. It’s one of the hardest forms of courage. In a world driven by instant gratification, waiting feels unbearable. But waiting—true, intentional waiting—is where faith is tested and forged.

The wisdom of waiting isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing the inner work of trust. It’s believing that even when you don’t see the full picture, every moment is preparing you for what’s next. It’s understanding that delays are not denials—they’re often divine detours.

Why Waiting Feels Hard

When we’re in a season of waiting, it’s easy to feel stuck. Our minds race, wondering if we’ve missed a step or if we’re doing something wrong. But what if waiting is exactly where you’re meant to be? What if the pause is part of the process?

Think of a seed planted deep in the soil. It’s hidden from view, buried in darkness. Yet, beneath the surface, life is stirring. Roots are forming, and growth is happening, even when it can’t be seen. Waiting is much the same. It’s a season of unseen preparation, where the foundation is being laid for what’s to come.

Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?

— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

What Waiting Teaches Us

Waiting teaches us trust. It shows us that we are not in control and that’s okay. It’s a reminder to lean into faith, knowing that the right moment will reveal itself when the time is ripe. Waiting also teaches us gratitude. When we finally receive what we’ve been waiting for, we value it more deeply because we understand the journey it took to get there.

Ask Yourself:

• What season of waiting am I in right now?

• How can I practice patience and trust during this time?

• What might this waiting period be teaching me?

How to Embrace the Wait

1. Pause with Purpose: Use this time to reflect, pray, or journal. Find clarity in the stillness.

2. Trust the Timing: Remind yourself that everything unfolds as it should, even if it doesn’t align with your timeline.

3. Seek Growth: Look for lessons in the waiting. What is this season preparing you for?

4. Release the Urgency: Let go of the need to rush. Trust that what is meant for you will come in its own time.

An Invitation

Today, let’s find courage in the waiting. Let’s embrace the pause, trusting that unseen growth is happening. Remember, waiting is not wasted time. It’s the space where transformation begins.

And if you need a reminder, hold onto the wisdom of both the Psalmist and Lao Tzu.