The Lodestar

Waiting is Not Wasted Time

Waiting often feels like stagnation, but it is an essential process. When Joseph was sold into slavery and later imprisoned, his life took a downward spiral (Genesis 37:28; 39:20). However, in his waiting, he developed leadership skills, managed resources, and grew in wisdom. Eventually, he was elevated to second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:41). His waiting was not passive; it was preparation.

In contrast, those who refuse to wait often face consequences. Impatient for the promised son, Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands through Hagar (Genesis 16:1—4). This decision led to lasting conflict. Their story warns against assuming delays mean inactivity. Waiting is not wasted; it aligns individuals with the right timing.

Unseen Work Behind the Scenes

The period of waiting is when unseen work takes place. A seed underground does not sprout immediately, but roots strengthen before visible growth appears. Paul, after his dramatic conversion, did not launch straight into ministry. Instead, he spent years in Arabia and Damascus before becoming the apostle known today (Galatians 1:17—18). His waiting prepared him for doctrinal depth and endurance.

Similarly, Esther waited before revealing her identity to the king (Esther 4:14—16). At that time, events aligned to expose Haman’s plot. If she had rushed, the outcome could have been different. The unseen work during waiting shapes circumstances in ways often unrecognised.

Character Formation in Delays

Delays refine character, revealing areas needing growth. David was anointed king as a young shepherd but spent years fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 19:1). In the wilderness, he learned dependence, humility, and leadership. Had he seized the throne prematurely, his reign might have lacked maturity.

People often desire immediate results, yet refining takes time. After leaving Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:33—34). This was not because of divine indifference but to shape a generation fit to enter the Promised Land. Character forged in waiting sustains blessings received later.

Trusting the Process

While waiting, there is a choice—to despair or trust. Habakkuk questioned why injustice prevailed, yet he was reminded that “the vision awaits its appointed time” (Habakkuk 2:3). Trusting in the unseen work prevents discouragement.

Disciplines such as prayer, learning, and serving keep faith active in waiting. Those who embrace the process rather than resent it find that waiting becomes a time of growth rather than frustration.

Waiting does not mean nothing is happening. The unseen work in the waiting often determines the impact of what comes next.

(Cynthia Ningngaih is passionate about writing and imagination. She enjoys listening and observing the world around her more than speaking.)