My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow. Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here!

James 5:7-8

Most prayers are answered soon enough (and often in unexpected ways). When delays or obstacles arise, we should take the opportunity to have a conversation with God and seek to understand and discern God’s heart on a matter.

A delay is not a denial. Rather a delay leads us to consider things we might not otherwise. We can trust God to work everything together to accomplish His purpose for our good, but a delay may act like a pause button so that we can quiet our hearts to listen for an answer or deeper revelation.

Twice the Holy Spirit delayed Paul in order to direct him to a different setting which resulted in great ministry opportunities and impact. A delayed catch of fish led Peter into repentance, turning him from a fisherman to a fisher of men. The delayed birth of John the Baptist was a special event that marked a new chapter in salvation history.

Your story, like the rest of us, is part of and connected to God’s amazing story of relentless grace and goodness. Instead of feeling frustrated with unanswered prayers, learn to embrace God’s sovereign timing and ways. Do not undermine or underestimate what God is doing in your delays and waiting.

If we are easily discouraged by the outward appearance of things, we are still walking by sight instead of faith. This lowers our spiritual defences and makes us vulnerable to the devil’s wiles and attacks.

Keep praying and not lose heart.

The Apostle James exhorts us to wait patiently, just as a farmer does while anticipating a bountiful harvest. Patience is God’s way of equipping and preparing you for greater faithfulness and fruitfulness in the coming season.

No matter how much you already trust God, He wants to enlarge and increase your ability to do so. God will often do something in you before He does something for you or communicates something to you. Then you will have the capacity to receive and become all God has for you in Christ.