It was a quiet evening at home in late February when the phone call finally came. It had been three long weeks of hope and anticipation.
Following a successful job interview and community meetings, my husband felt confident about securing a sought-after position as a city police chief. We were dreaming of the possibilities, sought ideal neighborhoods where we could live and even found churches to visit.
It surely was the end of a long and tiring wait and the answer to our prayers.
But the answer was “No.”
The recent rejection was not the first setback in an exhaustive job hunt. As my husband’s retirement approached in March 2024, he was on a diligent quest for a new leadership opportunity in law enforcement. Yet, early in the search, the unforeseen passing of both his parents was something we hadn’t anticipated. It seemed that God intended for us to remain in Texas while we navigated through these periods of change and grief.
It can be disheartening to feel that a passion you believe was given to you by God now leaves you feeling stuck.
Waiting is challenging, and something we naturally dislike. Yet, it’s often that the period of waiting is preparation for when God advances us to the next stage.
Yet, what do we do when we feel God is silent?
When we are still earnestly following God,
diligent in prayer,
yet nothing seems to shift?
Here are five ways we can navigate the period of waiting when God seems silent:
Give up control.
How often do we try to “help out” God in His plan for us?
Instead, it’s a time to let go, trust in God’s direction, and fully rely on Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust God completely, not just halfway.
We might think we know best, but our plans are not always aligned with God’s. As we wait, He is arranging circumstances that need to happen first. Trusting in Him and seeking His will through prayer is how He reveals the path He has designed for us.
Anticipate unexpected change.
In times of waiting, God is setting the stage for what’s to come.
While you might picture a future shaped by your passions, abilities, and experience, God may have a completely different plan for you. God promises that when you surrender to His will and trust in His direction, the purpose He has for you will reveal itself. (Proverbs 19:21)
Do things for others.
I heard a quote one day that really made sense: When in a time of waiting, be a waiter and serve. When unsure of what is in our future, it’s important to concentrate on doing for others rather than focusing on ourselves.
With so many needs to meet and the numerous ways to demonstrate Jesus’ love to others, we cannot afford to be idle as we await God’s direction for our lives. (Romans 12:10-11, 13) Often, it is through serving others that we encounter individuals and discover causes that are destined to shape our future.
Focus on thankfulness and joy.
Waiting is not easy, and doubts can occasionally surface. Choosing to remain positive, joyful, and thankful in every circumstance, even in times of waiting, will build hope. Trusting in God promises us a heart full of joy and peace. (1 Thessalonians 5:16, Romans 15:13)
Pray continually.
The Bible says we are to pray continually and purposefully.
Continued, faithful prayer is strengthening our relationship with God. As we pray for what God has next for us, we can ask for His strength to empower us to persevere until God reveals His plan to us. (Isaiah 40:29)
The journey of waiting is tough, and the road is often bumpy instead of smooth, curvy instead of straight. Opportunities fall through, and what seems certain can vanish.
Yet—there are always lessons in these moments. They can be a call to grow closer to the Father, to let go of control, and to trust that He will lead us on the best path. Remember, our God is a loving Father who wants the best for us. (Jeremiah 29:11) He remains faithful, turning everything for our good. (Romans 8:28)
After all, would any good father, and especially our Heavenly Father, give us anything less than His best?
Yet today, my husband and I are still waiting for God to reveal the next step. Although my husband is now retired, we remain confident that the passion God instilled in him for law enforcement has not come to an end. We believe God will provide a place for my husband to apply his law enforcement training, skills, and leadership. God has promised that when He begins a good work in us, He will always bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:6)
That is something that is sure and what we can wait for.
Disclosure: This article was first published in July/August issue of EGM Times (you can access the issue to read the original article here) from Elohim Gospel Ministries.
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