Holding Fast to the Promises of God: Trusting Him in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like God placed something big on your heart, something about your ministry, your marriage, your children, or even your career—and at first, you were filled with excitement and faith?

You believed it. You held onto it. You could almost see it.

But then… time passed.

Hours turned into days. Days into months. Months into years.

And slowly, quietly, doubt crept in.

You began to question what you heard. You wondered if you misunderstood. You even started talking yourself out of the very promise that once filled you with hope.

If that’s you, you’re not alone.

When Faith Turns Into Doubt

In Scripture, we see this same struggle in the life of Sarah. When God promised her a child in her old age, her initial response wasn’t faith, it was laughter.

“So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” — Genesis 18:12 (NIV)

It wasn’t laughter of joy, it was disbelief.

And if we’re honest, we’ve all been there.

We hear God’s promise, but when it doesn’t happen on our timeline, we begin to doubt His voice, His plan, and even His power.

The Battle Between Promise and Process

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of walking with God.

We often want the promise, but not the process.

Yet Scripture reminds us:

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” — Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

God’s promises are not bound by our sense of urgency. What feels delayed to us is often perfectly on time in His plan.

“Lord, Help My Unbelief”

There’s something powerful about being honest with God.

In Mark 9:24, a desperate father cried out:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

That prayer is raw. It’s real. And it’s one God honors.

You don’t have to pretend your faith is perfect. You can bring your doubts, your questions, and your fears directly to Him.

Ask Him to strengthen your faith. Ask Him to remind you of what He said.

If God Said It, He Will Do It

We must anchor ourselves in this truth:

“For no word from God will ever fail.” — Luke 1:37 (NIV)

And again:

“He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

The fulfillment of God’s promises does not depend on your ability, it depends on His faithfulness.

You cannot force the promise to come to pass. You cannot rush it, manipulate it, or earn it.

But you can trust the One who spoke it.

Encouragement in the Waiting

Sometimes, God sends people into our lives to strengthen us along the journey. A timely word. A sermon. A friend who reminds you not to give up.

That’s not coincidence, that’s God’s care.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

If you’re in a season of waiting, don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay in His Word.

Hold On

Today, let this be your reminder:

Hold fast.

Even when it’s been a long time.

Even when it doesn’t make sense.

Even when doubt tries to speak louder than faith.

God has not forgotten you.

He has not changed His mind.

And He is not late.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I believe—but help my unbelief. Strengthen my faith while I wait. Remind me of Your promises and surround me with encouragement. Teach me to trust Your timing, knowing that what You have spoken will surely come to pass. Amen.

If you’re in the waiting season, take heart, God is still working, even when you can’t see it.

Love, 

Tricia