Wait Is a Four-Letter WordSample

Day 5: Survival Skills for Spiritual Waiting

When the wait stretches longer than we were prepared for (and let’s be honest: any delay is longer than what we were prepared for!), we may begin to flounder spiritually. In seasons of waiting, we have to develop “spiritual survival skills” to see us through. 

1. Spend time in passionate prayer (even when it feels repetitive). 

In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah who longs for a baby. How tempting it must have been to give up on prayer, interpreting the long years of delay as a no from God! But even after many years of waiting, Hannah keeps praying—her prayers are passionate, raw, honest. In the end, Hannah’s prayers catch the prophet Eli’s attention. Passionate prayer paves the way for Hannah to have her miracle baby, Samuel. 

2. Spend time in God’s Word.

If waiting is a desert, then God’s Word is the oasis where we pause to refresh our water supply. When God seems silent on the other end of our prayers, His Word is the cord that keeps us connected and helps us find His voice. When our path weaves down into the darkness of “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4 KJV), the Bible is a lamp for our feet, a light on our path (Psalm 119:105). Find a few passages that speak to you during this season, and cling to them for faith and hope.

3. Make time for fun.

Sometimes when we are waiting for the life we want, we forget to enjoy the life we already have. Life may feel incomplete and imperfect (and keep in mind, everyone’s life is incomplete and imperfect!), but it’s still a life. Your life. God’s gift to you. During seasons of waiting, try new hobbies and stay open to new friendships—this will give meaning to your in-between times.

Waiting seasons don’t have to be lost time, and they don’t have to be the end of us. Expanding our spiritual survival skills will help us survive our trek through the barren places, however long, however winding. We might even make some happy memories along the way. But we can’t make memories if we don’t go make them. I pray that, like Hannah, you find courage to pursue spiritual habits that see you through your wait. I pray that, like Hannah, blessing surprises you when you least expect it.