“When, God, When?”

If you haven’t noticed, life is often full of unanswered questions. And when we’ve prayed for God’s help with a situation—and we’re waiting and trusting Him to change things in our lives—it’s easy to ask, “When, God, when?” Even when we reach the place of truly trusting God, we at least want to know when He’ll give us the breakthrough we need. Over the years, I’ve learned that He will eventually do it, but it will be in His way and timing, not ours.

The story of Paul and Silas in Acts Chapter 16 is a great example. Paul and Silas had been imprisoned with seemingly no way out. However, even in the midst of a desperate situation, the Bible tells us they began singing and praising God at midnight (see Acts 16:24–26). They didn’t know exactly when or how God would help them, but they chose to trust Him and praise Him all the same. Other prisoners were also listening, so Paul and Silas were being good examples to the people around them.

Then it happened. As Paul and Silas sang and praised God, God suddenly opened the doors to the prison, and they were released. Don’t despair—you suddenly may be on the way!

Sometimes God delivers us from a situation quickly, but at other times we may have to go through some things for a season. Regardless of how God chooses to work in your situation, always remember that you are never alone.

David writes, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil… (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). He had to go through the pain and the difficulty, just as we often do. He said he would fear no evil, but this does not mean he didn’t feel fear of trying to defeat him. The truth is that we can feel fear and still trust God. David also writes, When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3 NIV).

You may feel one thing, yet your heart can know the truth of God’s Word. David knew that God was in control—even if he felt fear, he still trusted God. I want to encourage you to do the same. When you’re waiting for God to work—even if it seems like He’s not or it feels like He’s taking too long—follow the advice in Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (NIV).

Trust will always require unanswered questions. You may not know when or how God will work in your situation, but you can be assured that He is already working behind the scenes to help you, and your answer will arrive in His perfect timing.

Adapted from the book The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2023 by Joyce Meyer. Published by Hachette Book Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for helping me, even when I can’t see anything happening. Strengthen my faith and help me to trust You and be patient while I wait on Your answers to my prayers. In the meantime, like Paul and Silas, I will praise You in advance for what You’re going to do. Regardless of what I see happening around me, teach me to put my trust in You and expect Your goodness around every corner. In Jesus’ name, amen.”