When the Road Is Clear but God Says Wait.

Lagos, Nigeria is widely known for its heavy traffic. Yet this morning, as the Uber I booked moved freely along Sanusi Street without traffic, I couldn’t help but notice how everyone still seemed to be in a hurry. That moment stirred a thought in my heart: how often do we hurry God for answers to our prayers?

The Bible reminds us that “To everything there is a season, and a time, this we know and affirm yet always seem to be in a hurry when we don't see answers coming. Many times, we are desperate for the outcome, forgetting that the process of receiving the answer is just as important as the miracle itself.

When the Israelites left Egypt, a journey that should have taken 40 days stretched into 40 years—not because God failed, but because of their disobedience and iniquities (Numbers 14:33–34). During those 40 years before entering Canaan, the Lord dealt with their character, attitude, responses, and way of life. He gave them laws to shape their conduct (Deuteronomy 8:2–3), so that when the promise was finally inherited, it could be sustained.

Scripture says, “The LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2). God was more interested in who they were becoming than how fast they arrived.

Oftentimes, delays happen not because God is withholding, but because we have refused to learn in our waiting season. The waiting period is simply the time between when prayers and supplications are made and when God responds. Note that the Lord’s desire for you is good. “For I know the thou!hts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Yet when the goodness of Christ comes to a place not properly prepared, it can appear burdensome rather than beautiful. 

So in this season, do not be in a hurry to exit the waiting room. “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14). Ask God what He wants you to learn and unlearn, for He is still working within you.

For it is written, “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Romans 9:16). God has not exited the waiting room; He is there with you.

Stay revived!