Waiting is never easy.
Especially when the thing we’re waiting for is good, holy, longed for, prayed for…
and still not here.
In those stretches of silence, shame often slips in quietly — whispering that our waiting must somehow be our fault.
Shame Accuses
“You should be further along by now.”
“Everyone else is moving forward… why aren’t you?”
“Maybe God’s promises aren’t really for you.”
“Your hope makes you look foolish.”
Shame can look like humility, but it is anything but humble.
It attacks identity.
It belittles hope.
It tries to convince us that delay equals defect.
But Scripture tells a different story.
Hope Refuses
Waiting isn’t punishment.
Waiting isn’t failure.
Waiting isn’t proof that we’re forgotten.
Waiting is the place where God traces hope into our hearts—the same hope He whispered to prophets centuries before Christ came.
The same hope He whispers to you today.
Shame Rx: Shame loses its grip when we remember that hope deferred is not hope denied.
God fulfilled every prophecy spoken about Jesus.
He will fulfill His word to you, too—in His time, in His wisdom, in His love.
Shame says, “Your waiting is pointless.”
Jesus says, “Your waiting is preparation.”
Shame says, “You must be doing something wrong.”
Jesus says, “I am doing something new.”
Shame says, “Let your hope die quietly.”
Jesus says, “Lift your eyes — redemption is nearer than you think.”
When we trace Jesus through Scripture, we discover a God who always keeps His promises…
even when the timeline stretches longer than the heart expected.
So if shame is trying to snuff out your hope this season, breathe deep and remember:
Your hope is safe with Jesus.
Your story is still unfolding.
Your heart is still being shaped, not shamed.
And the God who fulfilled His word to the prophets
will fulfill His word in you.
Reflection Questions
Where has shame whispered that your waiting means failure or inadequacy?
What promise of God feels dim — and how might Christ be rekindling hope there?
How is God forming “thick skin and a soft heart” in you during this season of waiting?
What truth about Jesus’ faithfulness can you speak over your hope today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, shame tries to tell me that waiting means You’ve forgotten me. But Your Word shows me that waiting is where You do some of Your deepest work. Restore my hope. Quiet the lies of shame. Help me trust that You are writing my story with the same faithfulness that fulfilled every prophecy about Your coming. Strengthen my heart and soften it at the same time, until my hope rests fully in You. Amen.
Check out the Seeing Deep blog this week as we trace Jesus through the Scriptures all month.