It Is Worth the Wait!

Have you ever noticed that waiting for a prayer to be answered seems endless? Ellen Mongan gives insight into why it is worth the wait!  

They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. (Isaiah 40:31) 

Have you ever noticed that waiting for a prayer to be answered seems endless? Time seems to stand still! Many times, in Scripture, God calls His people to wait. Here are some examples:  

• Sarah was told she would bear a child even though she was beyond the childbearing age, and she laughed at the idea. However, she and Abraham knew it was a promise from God and waited.  

• Moses and God’s people were led into the desert, heading for the “Promised Land.” Forty years, they wandered and waited to enter that land. The hope of God’s promise was always before them as they traveled. 

• God promised to send a Savior into the world. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus’ mother, Mary, waited patiently for the promise to be fulfilled. 

• The prodigal son left home to live a hedonistic life. His father knew it would not go well for his son and that he needed to learn a hard lesson. The father waited patiently for his return.  

• The disciples gathered together in the upper room, praying and waiting for the infilling of the Holy Spirit to bring forth a new Pentecost. Though they were unaware of what was to come, they waited. 

Why does God call us to wait? 

I love the words of a woman I admire who said, “It is not who you are in the trial but who you become through it.”  God calls us to wait, pray, seek, and obey. In the fiery furnace, God purifies His people. In our waiting on the Lord, God shows us who we are. Then He invites us to change.

Sometimes we get discouraged. Sarah did. Instead of waiting on the Lord, she took matters into her own hands and insisted that Abraham have a child with her servant, Hagar. Ishmael was born.

He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; Alongside all his kindred shall he encamp. (Genesis 16:12)  

Thus, Ishmael’s offspring were hostile towards Isaac’s offspring.  Isaac was the child of Sarah and Abraham.  

The Israelites were impatient and were not happy campers in their desert experience. They began to grumble instead of praise God. Their grumbling extended their time of wandering. Maybe they should have waited patiently. 

Miracles happen!

The words from a Bible study by Father Jeffrey Kirby always come to me: “The longer the wait, the greater the miracle.” Miracles do happen for those who believe. Mary gave birth to her baby boy. God’s promise was fulfilled. The Israelites eventually reached the promised land. The prodigal son returned home a changed, humble, and grateful man.  

Jesus' death brought life to the world. With his presence, the Holy Spirit filled the upper room where the disciples waited, and the disciples were never the same again. Even today, we are waiting for Jesus our Savior to come again.  

At every Mass, we are reminded of our faith when we repeat, “He who was, who is, and who is to come.” Our hearts cry out, even so, "Come, Lord Jesus,” as we wait, trusting in His promises. Waiting with joyful hope opens our eyes to see the miracles happening in our midst. 

What are you waiting for?

Do you long for God to give you a spouse with whom you can share your life? Is it a baby you cry out for? A new Job? A place to call home? Are you waiting for healing, a trial to be lifted, a financial blessing? Our God is faithful; if He said it, He will surely do it. His promises are true. Remember how much He loves you. 

When the waiting seems too long, do not be tempted to take matters into your own hands. Trust in His promises. Put your hope in Him alone. He has His Hand on you. He knows what He is doing. Instead of grumbling, put on the garment of praise, surround yourself with others who worship, and rest in His love. Let the Holy Spirit fill you to overflowing.  

“Come to me all weary and heaven-laden you, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11: 28) 

 Take His yoke upon you and learn from Him. He is a gentle, humble teacher who only gives light burdens. 

New year, new beginning 

This New Year, learn to wait on the Lord. He is getting ready to renew your strength and mount you upon the wings of eagles! All I can say is “Up, up, and away.” Once you see the view, you will agree that it was worth the wait. 

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Copyright 2025 Ellen Mongan
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