Guest Blog By Vonna Matthews, Author of The Me He Sees Bible Study.
I’m currently waiting on God. I’m waiting on answers for the next step in a BIG MOVE. I’m waiting on God for provision. I’m waiting on God for clarification. I’m waiting on God for results. I’m waiting on God.
I have arrived at a point in my journey with Christ where I believe that anything, any situation, or any dynamic that draws me closer to God draws me closer to beauty, to magnificence, to grace, to love. Waiting is no exception. I’ve developed an appreciation for the beauty of waiting on God. It is in those moments that I am able to develop intimacy with Yahweh, a devotion that leads me to daily sacrifice and worship. I get to see Him and experience Him in ways that getting what I want and being where I want to be would prevent. It is in the stillness and the calmness of the storm where His voice is the loudest. His touch is the most gentle. His sovereignty is more apparent. His grace is more sufficient. I know that He is with me.
Waiting is WORTH IT
Waiting on God is not passive. Even in stillness, there is work being done. For me, it may be obedience, worship, fasting, and praying. It may even require silence. No matter what work God is calling me to, His calling for me requires a season of waiting; a work has to be done IN me before anything is done FOR me. I remember a ministry leader telling me years ago that “what God does THROUGH you and IN you is more powerful than what He does FOR you.”
May I encourage you, as you wait, to embrace the work God is doing IN you as a necessary step to the unfolding and living out of your calling. Scripture reminds us that God is working even when it seems like nothing is being done (Isaiah 64:4; Romans 8:28). Isn’t it beautiful that Jehovah is moving on our behalf? The more we focus on Him, the more devoted we are to Him, the more the waiting becomes an opportunity to worship and not suffer.
Here are three ways God uses waiting to work in us.
Waiting is a season of PREPARATION
In John 6:10–12, Jesus had just been teaching a large crowd near the Sea of Galilee. The people followed Him because they had seen the signs and miracles He performed. As evening approached, the disciples became concerned because there was not enough food to feed the thousands gathered. A boy had five barley loaves and two fish, but in the natural, it was not enough.
Yet Jesus told His disciples, “Have the people sit down.” Scripture notes that there was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. The same with the fish. When they were filled, He told the disciples to gather the fragments so that nothing would be lost.
If there wasn’t enough food, why would Jesus have them sit down in preparation for a feast? Jesus wanted them to prepare to receive plenty. He knew He would provide all they needed. Faith is not just believing God will; it’s acting as though He has. Prepare yourself to receive plenty.
Preparation in waiting means aligning your heart, your habits, and your expectations with what God has promised. It means strengthening your faith before the manifestation. It means stewarding what you already have so you are ready for increase (Luke 16:10). Waiting prepares your capacity so that when the blessing comes, you are able to carry it.
Waiting POSITIONS you for your blessing
There was plenty of grass. There was a place for them to sit and prepare to receive. God provided room for them to experience the miracle. Waiting positions you in obedience. It keeps you seated where He has instructed you to be. Psalm 27:14 tells us to “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”
Position matters. If they had refused to sit, they would have missed the distribution. When you are properly positioned through obedience, humility, and surrender, you are aligned to receive what God is releasing. God will provide room enough for you to receive your blessing.
Waiting is a time for PRAISE and WORSHIP
Jesus gave thanks (John 6:11). He thanked God for meeting the needs of the five thousand men, and more, including women and children, although in that moment there was not enough. Giving thanks before you receive your blessing in the natural is an act of faith. You are thanking Him for what you cannot see with your physical eyes (Hebrews 11:1).
Praise shifts your perspective. It reminds you from whom your provision flows (Psalm 121:1–2). Jesus looked to His Father. He did not focus on the lack; He focused on the Source. Waiting becomes worship when you trust that God is already working.
Jesus distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. Not only was there plenty, there was more than enough to meet ALL needs. They ate and were satisfied, and there were leftovers (John 6:12–13).
Preparation shapes you.
Position aligns you.
Praise sustains you.
And in the waiting, God is doing a deeper work than you can see.
This blog is part of the Waiting on God series. Read more.
Waiting On God Through Discouragement and Disappointment
What do you do when waiting on God feels heavy? A faith-filled reflection on discouragement, hope deferred, and choosing praise while you wait.
Waiting on God With Oil: Learning To Wait Well
A reflective devotional on waiting on God, inspired by Matthew 25, exploring preparation, presence, and faith in the in-between seasons of life.
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