Trusting the Waiting Season

“Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer.”  Romans 12:12

I walked through the nature preserve along a gravel trail, the last days of summer sun sifting delicately through the leafy canopy above. This trail had become a favorite of mine, a place where I often came to walk, pray and listen for the Lord’s voice.

My life at the time was in a major period of transition.  I was moving from married mother to single mother, from part-time work to full-time—a strenuous, stretching season. But here, surrounded by nature, I felt the tension slowly begin to ebb away.  In this outdoor cathedral, I could release the worries I had been carrying and listen for God’s gentle response to my impatient pleas for change. 

More than anything, I wanted to land--to find the security financially and emotionally that I so desperately craved.  I felt like one of those leaves above my head, ready to shed its green hue and settle into its next phase, well ahead of its companions. Trusting the waiting season felt challenging. 

In the midst of my prayers and pleading, I felt God’s Spirit quietly leading me toward the stream nearby.  As I crossed the small bridge that spanned the waters, I felt my attention drawn to two very distinct parts of the stream.

Directly below me, the water was still and quiet.  Fish swam calmly in its tranquil depths, and little pond skimmers casually made their way from shore to shore.  Life was teaming in this little oasis of stillness.  But not far upstream, the water moved differently. Gentle, babbling rapids fed into the still pool below, their hum full of energy and motion, the sunlight sparking as it danced over the rocks.    

It made sense now, why God had drawn me here—why He had asked me to slow down and pay attention.  There were powerful lessons in that simple stream. Movement, like the rapids, was important. It brought a sense of progress and satisfaction, but it often lacked depth. The still waters, on the other hand, were rich with life. Beneath their quiet surface, so much was happening.

I realized that, like the stream, my life’s still moments were just as active as the busy ones. Even when I hadn’t received the breakthrough I longed for and my answers hadn't shown up yet, God was still at work. His hand was moving, quietly teaching me lessons that would equip me for the next season of movement. In those still times, I found myself on my knees more often, digging into scripture, wrestling with my own struggles and fears to trust His perfect timing. And slowly, I experienced personal growth.

Looking back, I can see that season for what it was: a rewarding metamorphosis. A transformation that brought deep healing and profound progress. Much like a moth emerging from its cocoon, I found myself able to take flight, freed from a life that had felt stifling and heavy.

God would lead me back to those waters many times in that season, always reminding me that just because I couldn’t see or feel it, didn’t mean He wasn’t moving on my behalf. I’d love to say that I’ve mastered being at peace during still times, but I’m learning. I still prefer movement—there’s no denying that—but I’m better at trusting God’s timing now than I used to be. I see the value that comes from the challenges.

And perhaps that’s the lesson I continue to carry: there is beauty in both the movement and the stillness. In the challenging spaces and in the spaces of freedom. In every season, God is shaping, refining, and preparing us for the next step, whether we see it or not. The quiet waters teach us to trust, and when the time is right, the rapids will carry us forward.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

In moments of stillness, remember Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Allow yourself to fully engage with the quiet, knowing that this is a time for deep, often unseen growth. Use these periods to reflect, pray, and listen for guidance, understanding that even when things seem stagnant, important work is happening beneath the surface.

Trust in God’s timing, even when the path forward isn't clear. Remember past instances where His timing proved perfect, and let those reflections encourage you during the waiting periods. By embracing both the quiet and the movement, you'll find a deeper sense of peace and trust in the journey.

PRAYER

Lord, I come to You in this moment of quiet, seeking to embrace the stillness I find in my life. Help me to trust that even when I can't see the progress, You are at work beneath the surface, shaping and preparing me for what’s ahead. Grant me patience and a heart open to the lessons You are teaching during these quieter times.

When I feel overwhelmed by the desire for immediate movement and results, remind me of Your faithfulness and perfect timing. Help me to release control and trust that You are guiding me through each season, whether it’s one of movement or stillness. Thank You for the growth that happens in both. I place my hope and trust in You, knowing that Your plan is always good. Amen.

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.

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