“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” John 11:40
We hate waiting. It feels like wasted time, like silence from heaven, like something has gone wrong. But God’s delays are never accidental. He is not ignoring us; rather, He is often preparing us. Like a diamond that has not quite been cut, shaped, and polished enough to shine its brightest in the light—often, we are still in process. Remember, it is not the diamond that shines; it is the presence of light that makes the diamond shine. An uncut diamond has limited glory, while a fully faceted and beautifully cut diamond dazzles the eyes. But no diamond is impressive in darkness.
Throughout Scripture, God often delays His answers and His action. The purpose? To make sure we are enabled to maximally shine for His glory.
I’ve seen it over and over in my life—God is never early in the areas where I’m not quite fully refined to shine for His full glory.
This principle is manifested over and over in Scripture.
Lazarus
Jesus deliberately waited until Lazarus had been dead four days before showing up. Why? Because the miracle of resurrection would bring more glory to God than a quick healing. But it wasn’t just about Lazarus. It was also about Martha and Mary. They needed to see that Jesus wasn’t just a healer—He was the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25). Waiting transformed their understanding of who Jesus truly is.
Abraham and Sarah
God promised Abraham a son, but delayed fulfillment for 25 years. During that time, Abraham’s faith was tested, refined, and ultimately recorded as righteousness. (Romans 4:20-21) Had Isaac come earlier, Abraham’s faith wouldn’t have become a model for generations. The wait made him into a man through whom “all the nations of the earth” would be blessed.
Joseph
Joseph had God-given dreams as a teenager, but his journey went through betrayal, slavery, and prison before those dreams came true. If God had moved too soon, Joseph might not have had the humility, wisdom, or spiritual maturity to handle the weight of immense leadership. The delay prepared him—not just for power, but for forgiveness, integrity, and godly influence. In the waiting, Joseph became a man God could trust with the destiny of many nations.
David
David was anointed king as a youth, but spent years running from Saul, hiding in caves, and being hunted and falsely accused. Why wait? Because God wasn’t just preparing a king for a throne—He was preparing a shepherd after His own heart. When David finally took the crown, he was a seasoned warrior, a worshiper, and a man who knew how to seek God in the darkest of times. The waiting didn’t disqualify him—it qualified him.
So why the Wait?
God’s delays aren’t just about external circumstances—they’re about internal readiness. He uses the wait to:
- Shape our character, to know Him for Who He is and to desire to keep Him as the center of our life.
- Build our trust in Him.
- Crush our pride, so we can live completely dependent upon Him.
- Refine our motives, so we live in His Divine purpose.
- Prepare us for the weight of the blessing, so it doesn’t rob us of His presence.
The most beautifully cut diamond looks like a dull rock while it remains in darkness, but when it is brought into the light, it sparkles with the glorious light of the sun.
Sometimes we’re asking for doors to open, but if they opened today, we wouldn’t be ready. The delays are not punishment—they are preparation. And when God finally moves, we’ll be strong enough, wise enough, and humble enough to handle what He places in our hands.
Reflection Thought:
What if the very thing you’re frustrated about today is the tool God is using to make you strong enough for the next season? Think of one area in your life where God seems silent. Instead of pleading for speed, ask God what He’s trying to build in you during the wait. Journal one lesson you’ve learned that could not have come any other way than through waiting.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for not answering too soon. Thank You for loving me enough to delay until I’m ready. Teach me to trust Your timing, even when I don’t understand it. Use this waiting season to deepen my faith, refine my heart, and prepare me for whatever You have ahead. Let the glory on the other side be worth every moment of surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
