7 Helpful Things to Do While You Wait

Embrace your current situation and make the most of the opportunities before you. This means recognizing that God has a purpose for you in your present circumstances and committing to grow and serve right where you are. Instead of anxiously looking ahead or longing for a different season, you focus on being faithful and fruitful in your current context.

Jeremiah 29:4-7 offers a profound example of this principle. When the Israelites were exiled in Babylon, God instructed them through the prophet Jeremiah to “build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” God had promised their return from exile, but despite this being temporary, God encouraged them to invest in their current circumstance, even in challenging or undesirable circumstances.  

By investing where God has you now, you develop a deeper trust in his timing and plans. You engage in meaningful work, build relationships, and contribute positively to your community. This mindset of active investment transforms waiting from a passive state into a dynamic, purpose-filled journey.

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Part of investing where God has you now involves developing a lifestyle of selflessness and compassion, reflecting Christ’s love through tangible actions. Serving others during a season of waiting redirects your focus from personal anxieties and uncertainties to the needs and well-being of those around you. It transforms waiting into a fruitful and fulfilling period.

In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Use your time and freedom to serve others, especially when waiting for God’s direction or answers. Everyone is called to serve, and you don’t need to wait for anything to do so. Serving others is a practical way to live out your faith, demonstrating love and obedience to God’s commands.

Acts of service can take many forms, from volunteering at local shelters and food banks to simply offering a listening ear or a helping hand to a neighbor in need. Jesus set the example of service in John 13:14-15, where he washes his disciples’ feet as their Master and says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Through service, you become an active participant in God’s work, and this helps you to recognize when God redirects your path to the next season you may be waiting for.

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While you may not see the fulfillment yet, believing in God’s promise means cultivating a mindset of home and anticipation rooted in the truth that God has good plans and a future for you. 

Jeremiah 29:11 encapsulates this hope: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Even in the midst of uncertainty or delay, God orchestrates your life with a purpose that leads to fulfillment and blessing.

Living expectantly means aligning your actions and attitude with the belief that God is at work, even when you cannot see immediate results. It involves prayer, seeking his guidance, and remaining open to his direction. In your daily life, you can practice living expectantly by setting goals and engaging in activities that align with your passions and talents. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, and continue to move forward with the assurance that He has a prosperous future planned for you. This active expectancy keeps your faith vibrant and your heart aligned with God’s greater purpose. Otherwise, you may become discouraged and lose hope. And without hope, people perish.

This outlook fosters resilience and positivity, enabling you to navigate waiting periods with joy and confidence.

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With God’s promise ahead of you, part of waiting involves dedicating time and effort to develop your spiritual gift. In every season, God expects you to use this to bless the Body of Christ. This proactive approach turns waiting into a season of preparation and empowerment, aligning with God’s purposes for your life and the broader community.

1 Peter 4:10 encourages this, stating, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” By honing your spiritual gifts, you not only honor God but also equip yourself to serve others more effectively.

First, identify your spiritual gift. Prayerfully seeking God’s guidance, studying Scripture, and seeking affirmation from fellow believers can help you recognize your gifts. Once identified, commit to developing these gifts through study, practice, and seeking mentorship from more experienced believers. Romans 12:6-8 emphasizes the diversity of gifts and the importance of using them diligently: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us... if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously.”

Engaging in activities that utilize your spiritual gifts allows you to grow and refine them. Volunteering in church ministries, participating in community service, or joining small groups can provide practical opportunities to exercise and enhance your gifts. Embracing and cultivating your gifts fosters a deeper connection with God and a greater impact on those around you.

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Spiritual gifts are unique abilities supernaturally given to you. In contrast, you also have natural talents and abilities, and God wants to use those for his glory, as well. Just as you should develop your spiritual gifts, use times of waiting to invest in relevant education and skills for the future. These proactive steps prepare you for future opportunities in God’s plan, ensuring you are equipped to step into your calling when the time comes. 

Proverbs 1:5 underscores the value of learning and wisdom: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” By pursuing education and skill development, you not only enhance your capabilities but also align yourself with God’s desire for you to grow in knowledge and understanding.

Start by identifying areas that align with your passions and God-given talents. Seek guidance through prayer, asking God to reveal the skills and knowledge you should pursue. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship in fields relevant to your interests and potential future roles.

Investing in education and skills also involves staying updated with industry trends and technological advancements. Proverbs 24:27 advises, “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” This means laying a solid foundation through learning and preparation before stepping into your future roles. Embracing this proactive approach to waiting on God enables you to make the most of the present while anticipating the future He has in store for you.

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The Bible is full of people who received promises from God yet waited for years before seeing their destiny come to pass in faith. These stories will offer you valuable insights and hope into trusting God’s timing and plan. 

Abraham — the father of our faith — waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise to give him a son. Despite his advanced age, Abraham remained steadfast in his faith. Hebrews 6:15 says, “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” Abraham’s story teaches the importance of trust and perseverance, even when God's promises seem delayed.

Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned, Joseph experienced significant trials after God gave him a prophetic dream of future prosperity. Joseph remained faithful to God, and in time, he rose to a position of great authority in Egypt. Genesis 50:20 reflects his understanding of God's providence: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph’s story encourages believers to trust that God can use difficult circumstances for a greater purpose.

David, anointed as king in his youth, waited many years before actually becoming king. During this time, he faced numerous challenges and persecutions. Yet, he consistently sought God’s guidance and protection. Psalm 27:14 captures his heart: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” David’s journey shows the importance of seeking God and maintaining faith during periods of waiting.

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Above all, pray. Paul tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and you should use this time to establish a consistent and earnest prayer life to deepen your relationship. You will need this prayer life as God brings you into new seasons and opportunities. 

Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God’s guidance, expressing your needs, and aligning your will with His. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to bring everything to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

During periods of waiting, devoting yourself to prayer helps you maintain focus on God’s promises and His presence in your life. This active engagement in prayer fosters a sense of peace and trust, even when the future seems uncertain.

Establishing a dedicated prayer routine will be transformative. Set aside specific times each day for prayer, creating a quiet space where you can connect with God without distractions. Use this time to meditate on Scripture, reflect on His faithfulness, and listen for his voice. Colossians 4:2 advises, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Additionally, praying for others during your waiting period broadens your perspective and reinforces the importance of community. Serving others includes interceding for friends, family, and those in need. This helps shift your focus from personal concerns to a broader, more compassionate view.

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