The Wilderness of Waiting
Yesterday, I forgot to tell 16-week-old Moses to “wait” at the door as I exited the house. Naturally, he followed me out, nose to the ground, ready to investigate the world. I quickly used the connection words I’ve taught him, “with me.” Instantly, he turned and came right back to me.
That moment reminded me of the power of waiting. It’s not just a command but rather the practice of patience and trust.
As I guided Moses back inside, the other two dogs stood quietly at the door. They hadn’t moved. They were waiting. They knew what “wait” means because I’ve taught them: stay here, I’ll come back, and we’ll do something together. It’s a promise. It’s a relationship. It’s trust.
Waiting is not something most people are fond of. I’ve often told God, “Please give me a ‘yes’ or a ‘no,’ but don’t make me wait.” Waiting feels like uncertainty, like being stuck in the in-between. And yet, it’s in the waiting that wisdom often finds us.
Biblical Moses led the Children of Israel into the wilderness which was a long, painful season of waiting. It wasn’t just about geography; it was about the condition of their hearts. That time was marked by disobedience, unbelief, idolatry, immorality, testing God, and complaining. I’ve often thought about how miserable that must have been. And truthfully, I understand it because sometimes, when I am miserable, I go back to unhealthy coping mechanisms too.
Waiting is not something most people are fond of. I’ve always told God please give me a “no” or a “yes,” but please do not make me wait.
Even though waiting isn’t something I naturally embrace, I’ve come to recognize the wisdom it offers. Here are a few insights I’ve gathered along the way.
1. Trust is built in the pause (or should I saw “paws”)
Just like my dogs trust that I’ll return, waiting teaches us to trust in the unseen. It’s quiet confidence that something good is on the way.
2. Waiting is not wasted
Even when it feels like nothing is happening, transformation is taking place. Roots grow deeper in seasons of stillness.
3. Obedience Matters
The Israelites’ delay was tied to disobedience. Sometimes, waiting is a consequence, but it can also be a chance to realign and return.
For doggie Moses, he is still learning so I showed him exactly what I want 😉
4. God is present in the waiting
We may not see movement, but God is always working. The waiting room is not empty, it’s sacred space.
If you’re in a season where God has told you to wait, rest assured, He always comes back to you.
Just like a well-trained dog who knows their person will return, God’s “wait” is never abandonment. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and prepare. In the waiting, He is near, even if silent. There is likely something He wants to address in your heart before He reveals what’s next.
Use this time to lean into His presence. Ask Him what He wants to show you. Let the stillness be a space for healing, growth, and deeper connection.
Waiting may feel uncomfortable, but it is never wasted. It’s where wisdom is born.
Sandy
In the waiting
The same God who's never late
Is working all things out
You're working all things out
(Lyrics written by: Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Eddie Hoagland)
