Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

I have witnessed a friend’s struggle for the past three months.  Gut wrenching and agonizing as she searches for options and continues to find closed doors. This strong woman of faith is worn out.  She is frustrated, overwhelmed, and hurting.  It seems like there are no viable options. She is ready to move on in her own strength.  To do it her own way, because it seems that there is no other choice.

As Christians we want to trust that God has it under control.  We have seen His trustworthiness before, and felt his presence when the storms were raging. However; there is something about waiting. The longer we wait the more doubt seems to seep in.  At first we may bat it away, like an annoying bug, but the longer we wait the more fear sets in. 

What ifs can wreck havoc on our souls, especially when the clock ticks louder and louder in our ears.  Waiting wears us down. It makes us tired. Scared. It can even make us angry. We desperately need to find hope as we wait.

There are times when it can make us question. If God has heard our prayers, why hasn’t he answered our cries?

There is so much we don’t see this side of heaven

Ephesians 6:12 tells us “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places”.

Isaiah 55:8 reminds us “my (God’s) ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

In Daniel 10, we witness Daniel struggling. He is mourning, fasting, and praying fervently, yet his prayers had not been answered.  On the twenty fourth day, an angel appeared and said 

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”  (Daniel 10:12-14)

The book of Daniel is reminding us that :

• From the very first day, Daniel’s words were heard.  God responded to Daniel’s prayer the moment he made the request.  

• An angel came because of Daniel’s prayer.

Even when we don’t feel hopeful, or when we are ready to take matters into our own hands. Isaiah reminds us that,“those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

If you find yourself stuck in the waiting, don’t be discouraged.  Don’t give up hope.  God hears our cries. He is still present, and in the business of directing our steps.  He does have a plan. 

I know in my own life he sometimes waits until the 11th hour.  That way we know it was only Him that made a way.  We can’t mistakenly assume that we had anything to do with the outcome. 

If the storm is raging today, hold tight my friend, and check out my other blog on waiting.May you find new strength and continue to fight for your circumstances on your knees in prayer.  Sometimes it is the only avenue we have for change.  And may those of us who see hopelessness around us, let us be prayer warriors on their behalf.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27