While I was Waiting for God, He Waited for Me (another confessional)

Bored and disappointed male indian employee sitting in waiting room on row of chairs, feeling tired and upset, full length shot, free space

I must confess, I complain about waiting for God, as if He is some kindly old cosmic grandfather with whom I’m being soooo tolerant.  (I am learning to obey Philippians 2:14 ESV, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” but fail a lot.)

How often do we all go on about how slow the timing is of the Almighty?

And yet, what is more true than our experience of His slowness, is our own dilly-dallying, and His patience with us.

I won’t confess on your behalf but I’m often slow to obey, slow to pray, slow to speak up at opportunities with the gospel, slow to be faithful to His vision for my life, slow to express gratitude in all things, slow to serve others, and sometimes, slow to remember and believe His promises.

Paul likely had me in mind when he wrote Romans 2:4 ESV, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” As I’ve considered how much the Lord waits for me, it certainly has sparked repentance in my heart. Now, I will be slow to complain about His timing and pay a lot more attention to mine.

The apostle Paul knew God had shown him great mercy and perfect patience as he wrote to Timothy that “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life,” (1 Timothy 1:16 ESV). Paul lived transparently so as to show others better the perfect patience of God displayed in his life. Will I?

We think God drags His feet in returning and ending injustice, suffering, and pain and yet, the truth is, He even waits for those who deny or defy Him, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV). I would selfishly hurry along that day but if I open my heart to receive Jesus’s heart, I will increase my labors in sharing the gospel and display greater willingness to suffer that more may know God’s love forever.

And how much more will I praise Him when I think that at the center of His nature is this truth, “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,” (Psalm 86:15 ESV).

There are toddlers and teens in my life right now. Grandsons. And each one imagines himself very patient with us adults as we seem to tarry at providing for their needs, arranging for their entertainment, or meeting their standards of care. Ouch. Too often now, I see my own heart toward God reflected in their responses to their parents and to me and I think, “oh young one, you have no idea how patient I’m being towards you!” Now, I imagine my Heavenly Father has thought that often when listening in as I complain about waiting for Him.

He waits for me.

Huh.

Go figure.

Selah. Stop and think about it.

Thoughts? I love to hear from you. I respond to every comment and reply to every email!

I’d also love to invite you to follow me over on Substack. I’m about to begin sharing some exciting research I’ve been doing on a topic in the Bible we don’t cover enough — God’s plan for food and fellowship in our lives! Follow me over there so you don’t miss a moment from Genesis to Revelation. https://loriroeleveld.substack.com/

Also, I hope you’ve gotten your copy of God’s Abundant Mercy 40 Days of Living in His Compassion. No? It’s not too late. Perfect for considering His mercy all summer. You have? Please help me spread the word by leaving a short review on Amazon!

Tired of waiting for God? Did you know He waits for you? https://t.co/uNpCv19cXH #waitingforGod #waiting

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) May 19, 2026