When Life Hits Pause: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like you’re at a standstill in life?

It’s as if your life were a movie, but this part of the story is so uneventful that anyone watching would be tempted to skip it—or even turn it off. Yet, here you are, stuck in what feels like a boring season, with no option to fast forward or switch to a more exciting plotline.

It’s not just boring; it’s unsettling. You feel unsure about what’s next or where to go from here.

If this resonates with you, take heart—you’re not alone. Life has a way of leading us into waiting seasons, times when everything feels like it’s on pause. But even in these still moments, there’s good news: Jesus is right here with us. And often, He uses these waiting seasons to prepare us for what’s to come.

The Power of Standing Still

In Exodus 14:13, Moses reassured the Israelites, saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today…”

Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is simply stand still. Standing still doesn’t mean giving up; it means trusting that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it. Feeling stuck is not a sign that God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s an invitation to rest in Him, to trust His timing, and to allow Him to work behind the scenes.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t wasted time; it’s preparation time. During this season, God is aligning circumstances and shaping your heart for His purposes.

Using the Waiting Season Wisely

Standing still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to God and prepare for what’s next. Here are some ways to use this season wisely:

1. Dive into God’s Word

Spend time studying the Bible. Let His truth anchor your heart and guide your thoughts. As you read, you’ll see countless examples of people who waited on God and experienced His faithfulness in their lives.

2. Pray Without Ceasing

Take your fears, frustrations, and questions to God in prayer. He is always listening, and prayer has the power to transform not only your circumstances but also your heart. As you draw closer to Him, you’ll find peace in His presence.

3. Seek Community

Don’t isolate yourself during this season. Connect with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s promises. Sometimes, God uses community to speak wisdom and hope into our waiting seasons.

4. Embrace the Present

Even if this season feels ordinary or uneventful, look for beauty in the little things. Find the joy in everyday moments. Trust that God is present even in the small, seemingly insignificant details of your life.

Trusting God’s Perfect Timing

It’s natural to want to rush out of a season of waiting, but remember that God’s timing is perfect. He sees the entire picture, and He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us of this promise: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on God isn’t passive. It’s a refining process that builds your strength, deepens your faith, and prepares you for what’s ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t lose heart. Stand still, knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it. Use this season to draw closer to Him through prayer and His Word.

The waiting season is not the end of your story—it’s a chapter in the greater narrative God is writing for your life. Jesus is right there with you, holding you steady as you wait. Let His peace fill your heart, and trust that His plans for you are always good.

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”