Waiting can quietly become a breeding ground for shame.
When prayers linger unanswered…when others seem to move forward, and hope feels fragile…
Shame whispers that waiting must mean something is wrong with us.
But Scripture tells us otherwise.
Waiting is not punishment or proof of inadequacy.
And waiting is not a spiritual flaw.
The prophets waited.
Israel waited.
Mary waited.
Even Jesus waited—thirty years before beginning His public ministry.
Shame Rx:
Shame loses its power when we stop calling waiting “failure” and start trusting it as formation.
Shame says, “You should be further along.”
Jesus says, “I am with you right here.”
Shame says, “Your hope is foolish.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who believe.”
Your waiting is not wasted.
Your hope is not misplaced.
And your story is not behind schedule.
God fulfills what He promises — every time.
Reflection Questions
• Where has shame tried to reinterpret waiting as failure?
• What truth about God’s faithfulness counters that lie?
• How can I remain hopeful while waiting?
Prayer
Jesus, quiet the voice of shame that tries to turn waiting into failure. Teach me to trust Your timing and Your heart. Strengthen me where waiting feels heavy, and soften me where disappointment has settled. I choose to hope in You. Amen.
Check out the Seeing Deep blog this week as we trace Jesus through the Scriptures all month.