Thanksgiving in Times of Waiting

Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges. In our evening prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that whether we’re standing in line at the DMV or waiting for a breakthrough from God, our patience can wear thin quickly. For Clarence Haynes Jr., this struggle hits close to home — because waiting, especially when it feels indefinite, tests both our faith and our character. At the DMV, we can count the numbers and estimate our turn. But when it comes to God’s timing, there’s no ticket to track or clock on the wall. The “waiting place,” as Clarence calls it, can feel uncertain and even painful. Yet waiting is not a pause in our spiritual journey — it’s part of the journey itself. Scripture reminds us that God’s timing rarely matches ours. Joseph waited 22 years for his dream to be fulfilled. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for their promised son. Humanity waited 4,000 years for the coming of the Messiah. In every case, God made a promise — and He kept it. His delays were not denials but divine preparation. So how do we endure the waiting? Paul gives us the blueprint in Romans 12:12:Be joyful. Be patient. Be faithful. And the key that ties all three together is thanksgiving.Gratitude fuels joy because it reminds us of what God has already done. It builds patience by grounding us in His past faithfulness. It strengthens faithfulness in prayer because we know He has never failed before — and He won’t start now. Thanksgiving in the waiting place doesn’t mean pretending the delay is easy. It means choosing to trust that God’s timing is perfect, His motives are good, and His promises never fail. Even when you can’t see it yet, you can thank Him for what He’s already working out behind the scenes. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”— Romans 12:12 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Waiting is not wasted time; it’s part of God’s process for shaping your faith. God’s timeline often differs from ours, but He always fulfills His promises. Romans 12:12 gives us a framework for enduring the waiting: joy, patience, and faithfulness. Thanksgiving is the key that sustains all three, keeping our hearts focused on God’s goodness. Even when answers are delayed, we can trust that God’s results are always good. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Romans 12:12 Genesis 21:1–2 – God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Genesis 41:39–44 – Joseph’s dream comes to pass. 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises. YOUR EVENING PRAYER Father,As I wait, remind me that Your delays do not mean You have forgotten me. Help me to trust that Your timing is perfect and Your plans are good. When I grow weary, renew my strength with thanksgiving — for the ways You’ve already come through and the ways You are working right now. Let gratitude anchor my heart and keep me faithful in prayer until Your promises are fulfilled.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Thanksgiving in the waiting place is how we keep faith alive.Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to who God is. Keep a record of God’s faithfulness.Journaling answered prayers reminds you that if He did it before, He’ll do it again. Remember: God’s delays may be puzzling, but His outcomes are always good.Trust that His plans are unfolding in ways you can’t yet see. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in God’s Word. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-based podcasts and devotionals. Share tonight’s reflection with someone who feels stuck in the waiting — and remind them that gratitude can transform the journey. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.