Sometimes ministry is about waiting. You’re waiting for God to do something in someone’s life. Or maybe you’re waiting for a ministry opportunity God has called you to do. 

You pray for answers, but God seems silent.

Although God wants you to wait patiently for him to answer your prayers, he also wants you to wait expectantly. 

When you wait expectantly, you demonstrate that you believe God’s promises. 

You believe he’s going to keep his word.

You have faith.

You may be confused and bewildered right now, perhaps even about your church—and you’re saying: “I’m praying for opportunities for us to grow, but growth is not happening.” 

Maybe you’re bewildered about relationships in your church. Or you’re bewildered about a situation in your family.

You likely feel powerless and hopeless, like you can’t do anything to change your situation on your own. 

Don’t be discouraged! Don’t give up! 

Look up. 

Turn to prayer.

And whether or not God answers your prayers the way you want him to, you can always trust in his promises. 

He is a good God, and he knows what’s best, even when you don’t understand it.

Here are a couple important truths to remember while you wait on God to answer your prayers: 

First, God is in control, and you’re not. He knows better what you need than you do. There is no mountain too tall that he can’t move. There is no problem too big that he can’t solve. There is no sorrow so deep that he cannot soothe. 

God is in control, and he has a plan.

Second, whether or not you ever receive your answer, God will honor your patience—if not in this world, then in eternity.

“I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised” (Psalm 130:5 TLB).