Daniel Fast Devotions

2026 Daniel Fast

November 28, 2025 By Kristen Feola

As a believer, I know that hope is found in the Lord. However, sometimes life feels overwhelming, and my heart becomes weighed down with anxiety. Intrusive thoughts assault my mind, and hope seems elusive. Instead of running to the Lord for help, I slide into a pit of despair. When I find myself in such a negative place, I often turn to Psalm 25. The words David penned many years ago recalibrate my thinking, serving as a reminder to focus on God instead of my circumstances.

While praying for direction about the 2026 Daniel Fast, feelings of hopelessness slowly began to surround me. Once again, I sought the wisdom and comfort found in Psalm 25. As I meditated on the familiar passage, my outlook changed, and hope filled my heart. When I read the last part of verse 21, “My hope is in you,” my heart knew HOPE needed to be the focus for 2026.

“My Hope is in You” is the theme for the 2026 Daniel Fast. Each day of the fast, you’ll focus on one verse at a time from Psalm 25. By the end of 21 days, I hope you love the psalm as much as I do! In fact, I encourage you to challenge yourself to memorize a few verses or even the whole psalm.

I’ve listed several resources below to help you on your Daniel Fast journey. Thank you for your commitment to the Lord and to prayer and fasting.

My prayer for you is this: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

Resources

Books

helpful blog posts

If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to give to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, click on the “DONATE” button. Thank you!

2026 Daniel Fast – Daily Verses

November 1, 2025 By Kristen Feola

The theme for 2026 is “My Hope is in You” and is based on Psalm 25. Each day of the fast, you’ll focus only on one verse.

*You might also want to memorize Psalm 25 during your 21-day fast. It’s such a powerful psalm that’s packed with truth.

day 1

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust (Ps. 25:1).

day 2

I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me (Ps. 25:2).

day 3

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause (Ps. 25:3).

day 4

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths (Ps. 25:4).

day 5

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day
long (Ps. 25:5).

day 6

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old (Ps. 25:6).

day 7

Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember
me, for you, Lord, are good (Ps. 25:7).

END OF WEEK 1

day 8

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways (Ps. 25:8).

day 9

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way (Ps. 25:9).

day 10

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his
covenant (Ps. 25:10).

day 11

For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great (Ps. 25:11).

day 12

Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose
(Ps. 25:12).

day 13

They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land (Ps. 25:13).

day 14

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them (Ps. 25:14).

END OF WEEK 2

day 15

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare (Ps. 25:15).

day 16

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted (Ps. 25:16).

day 17

Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish (Ps. 25:17).

day 18

Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins (Ps. 25:18).

day 19

See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me (Ps. 25:19)!

day 20

Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you (Ps. 25:20).

day 21

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you (Ps. 25:21).

END OF WEEK 3

If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to give to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, click on the button below. Thank you!

January 2025 Daniel Fast Testimonials

February 22, 2025 By Kristen Feola

daniel fast testimonies

Have you ever prayed about something for a long time–maybe even for years–and then seen God answer with a huge YES! Your heart is bursting with joy, and you can’t wait to share your good news with everyone you see. When it comes to the ways God worked in people’s lives during the January 2025 Daniel Fast, that’s exactly how I feel.

The Bible says in Psalm 105:1-2 (NLT), “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.” This blog post is my way of telling everyone about God’s faithfulness. I hope you’re inspired to keep seeking the Lord through prayer as you read through the following testimonies.

“I started the journey of Daniel Fasting about five years ago; however, I joined your ministry two years ago. Since then I have seen the goodness of God. I’m grateful to the Lord who allowed me to connect to your ministry. Thank you, Kristen, for your guidance through the fasting.” – Margaret

“Thank you for your website, as it made my Daniel Fast 100% easier this year! I’ve done the Daniel fast before and ate cabbage soup each day. Also, my devotions weren’t as focused as this year when I watched your videos in the car with my family each day on my way to work. I’m so happy to see how we prayed together as a family more, and they started eating healthier. Physically, I’ve lost 5 pounds which has been something I’ve wanted to do for awhile now. My blood pressure has gone back to normal after three years of having constant high blood pressure. I know that this way of eating is how I should continue to eat so I plan to cut out meat, sugar and processed foods from my diet as much as possible. Also, God has given me peace of mind. Instead of constantly worrying about things, I just pray and trust God as I reflect on his attributes. Thank you again, and God bless you!” – Sharice

“I have been so blessed by your site and likely will transition into a more Daniel Fast lifestyle. It’s been a week after the 21-day Daniel Fast, and I’ve still been cooking your recipes and staying away from convenient food options that are unhealthy. I feel amazing! Your recipes really empowered me to believe that I could do this. I wanted to quit so many times. Thank you!” – Parker

“I want to extend my thanks to you for the wonderful information you have offered through your website. My denomination does 21 days of prayer and fasting every year. I decided to do a Daniel Fast and found your website. It has only been a few days, but I have already used many of your recipes. They’re wonderful. I plan to purchase your book. Already the Lord is doing wonderful things for me and others that I am praying with. Thank you, again, for offering your info free of charge. I hope the purchase of your book helps offset some of your costs.” – Ainsley

“Thank you so much. We have love your book and content. It’s truly been a blessing as our church did the 21-day fast.” – Didi

“I just wanted to thank you for posting so many recipes in such an orderly fashion. I don’t think I could have done the Daniel fast if I hadn’t stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for sharing!” – Debbie

For more information on fasting resources, visit 2025 Daniel Fast. See Online Daniel Fasts for details on previous fasts.

2024 Daniel Fast

October 17, 2023 By Kristen Feola

When I was a child, I remember being in church and singing, “I Surrender All ,” without thinking much about the words flowing easily from my lips:

“All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give.”

The hymn from the late 1800s is a simple tune with simple lyrics. But I’ve learned over the years that while singing about surrender is easy; actually doing it is not.

Surrender is not something we’re eager to embrace. After all, it implies a giving up of our rights, desires, hopes, and/or dreams. Surrender involves relinquishing control and submitting, a process that’s usually painful, which is why we resist it. But surrendering to God is 100% for our benefit. The following is an excerpt from gotquestions.org in answer to the question, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

“God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11), unlike our own plans that often lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us.”

He conquers us to bless us. Just let that thought sink in for a minute. Typically, a conquering situation involves something or someone being overcome by force, usually by an enemy. However, biblical surrender isn’t like that at all. When we come to the Lord voluntarily—broken and empty—he gently takes the reins and rescues us. We stop striving, and he fills us with his power and peace.

One of the best ways to place yourself in a posture of surrender is through prayer and fasting. Through the discipline of the Daniel Fast, you set aside your desires for certain foods for 21 days (see Daniel Fast Food List) and accept a limited menu as you seek the Lord.

“I Surrender All” is the theme for the 2024 Daniel Fast. When you commit to the fast, you can access to the following to encourage you on your journey:

Daily videos and Bible verses
21 Attributes of God list for use in your prayer time
Daily prayer points to guide you in interceding for others

You can also take advantage of more free resources on my website (see below).

Surrender is scary, so if you feel hesitant to commit to a three-week fast, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way before a time of fasting (myself included). However, let me encourage you to trust God to help you one day at a time. He is faithful, and he will provide all you need.

I think this encouragement from Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the theme and the 2024 fast perfectly:

“What you need to do is to put your will over completely into the hands of your Lord, surrendering to Him the entire control of it. Say, “Yes, Lord, YES!” to everything, and trust Him to work in you to will, as to bring your whole wishes and affections into conformity with His own sweet, and lovable, and most lovely will.”

In 2024, say YES to the Lord, YES to surrender, and YES to the Daniel Fast!

RESOURCES

BOOKS

helpful blog posts

If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to give to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, click on the button below. Thank you!

January 2023 Daniel Fast

November 30, 2022 By Kristen Feola

I believe fasting is an important spiritual discipline, which is why I’ve led an annual Daniel Fast through my website since 2012 (see Online Daniel Fasts). The theme for the 2023 Daniel Fast is “More of You and Less of Me,” which is based on John 3:30: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” The January fast will be held January 1-21, 2023.

“More of You and Less of Me” was born out of my own desire for Christ to be magnified in an increasing measure in my life. In 2023, I’d like the Lord to help me make the following changes:

MORE
thanksgiving

LESS
complaining

books

resources

blog posts

NOTE: If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to give to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, you can do so by using Paypal or your credit card. Thank you! DONATE NOW

Lent 2022

February 27, 2022 By Kristen Feola

Lent is a 40-day* commitment to prayer and fasting that’s observed in the six weeks leading up to Easter. This year, the Lenten Fast starts on Ash Wednesday, March 2, and ends on Thursday, April 14.

A person who participates in Lent can choose to fast in a variety of ways, and one option is to do a Daniel Fast. Following are a a few resources that will encourage you:

Follow my 40-day Prayer Guide.
Invest in a devotional book to guide your prayer time.
Print out a copy of my Holy Week Prayer Guide and use it the week before Easter.

For more information about the Daniel Fast, visit About the Daniel Fast.

*Note: Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday is technically 44 days; however, the number of days for penance and fasting before Easter is still 40: 44 days minus six Sundays equals 38, plus Good Friday and Holy Saturday equals 40.

2022 Daniel Fast

December 4, 2021 By Kristen Feola

Do you ever feel like you’re going through the motions in your spiritual life? Is your Bible reading sporadic or even nonexistent? Does your prayer time seem lifeless and boring? If so, you need to join the January 2022 Daniel Fast to be reenergized and refreshed. The fast will be held January 2-22, 2022, and the theme is Pray, Wait, Trust.

In the first part of the book of Acts, the author, Luke, tells us that before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he instructed his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. As the believers joined together constantly in prayer, they received what God had promised. Filled with supernatural spiritual power, those followers were then equipped to go forward in boldness, which significantly impacted their world and led thousands of others to salvation.

Like those early disciples, we desperately need the Lord’s help to fulfill the purposes God has for us. This year’s theme is perfect for where we are today because we have many, many reasons to be anxious. Just watching or listening the news can cause even the most laid-back person to be afraid. So, what should we do? God’s Word tells us:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel” (Phil. 4:6-7 CEV).

The Daniel Fast is about setting aside comfort for 21 days to focus on prayer. Yes, food is allowed on this fast (as opposed to a water fast), which is good news. However, your food choices are limited (see Daniel Fast Food List). That’s also good news. Why? Because every time you crave coffee or chocolate or meat, you’ll remember why you’re doing this fast in the first place. Instead of giving in to temptation, you’ll experience victory by turning to God instead of food.

Join me and believers all around the world as we join together in prayer and fasting this January. We will:

Pray for our needs and others’ needs.

Wait on the Lord to answer in his way and in his timing.

Trust God to work out his plans for us by remaining focused on truth.

As we commit the first three weeks of the year to prayer and fasting, we’ll see God move in power, just as he did in Acts.

For more information on the Daniel Fast, see About the Fast. Also, be sure to check out the Daniel Fast resources: Recipes, Books, FAQs, January 2022 Daniel Fast Testimonies, and January 2022 Daily Verses.

daniel fast resources

helpful blog posts

books

daily videos for your fast

If you’d like to receive encouragement on your fast, you can take advantage of short daily videos from 2021 (most videos are only 2-3 minutes long). Access videos here.

Feel free to share the January 2022 Daniel Fast promo video on your social media accounts. The more believers who join the fast, the more powerful our 21 days of prayer will be!

If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to give to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, you can do so by using Paypal or your credit card. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

2022 daniel fast merchandise

PWT Silver Bracelet

PWT 6×9 Journal

PWT T-shirt

PWT Water Bottle

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Daniel Fast and Diabetes

April 5, 2021 By Kristen Feola

If you’re considering doing the Daniel Fast and you have diabetes, you probably have questions. Lots of them. In this blog post, I’ll address many of people’s common concerns. Also, be sure to listen to the podcast I did with Davis Knight of Diabetic SAVVY as you prepare to set out on this adventure known as the Daniel Fast.

What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that you eat some foods while restricting others. The fast is typically 21 days and the purpose is to devote time to the Lord in prayer. Participating in the Daniel Fast if often a life-changing experience. Many people experience transformation spiritually and physically. (Although some people do lose weight as they make healthier food choices on this fast, it is not a diet.)

You may be wondering, Where did the Daniel Fast originate? Well, with the prophet Daniel, of course. The Bible gives us some insight (such as in Dan. 10:3) into what Daniel ate and didn’t eat; however, we don’t know his complete menu. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting:

“At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips (Dan. 10:2-3).

Most commentaries believe “choice food” would have been bread and sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

You’ll find some variation in the specific guidelines for the modern-day Daniel Fast, as far as what foods are included and which ones are restricted. The intention of the modern-day Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did but the spirit in which he did it. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to hunger and thirst more for spiritual food than for physical food, which should be the desire of anyone choosing to participate in this type of fast.

Some people have a tendency to get too focused on the food portion of the fast. However, the guidelines are given to help you form boundaries, not to push you into legalism. Your fast may look a little different than someone else’s, and that’s fine. The most important part of the Daniel Fast is that you deny yourself physically so that you may seek the Lord in prayer and grow closer to Him.

Is it safe for me to do the Daniel Fast as a diabetic?
The Daniel Fast is an extremely healthy way of eating, and many people with diabetes have done the fast with success. One of the benefits of fast is the regular intake of nutrient-dense foods, which keeps your blood sugar stable. However, you’re certainly free to modify the fast if you need to do so according to the specific needs of your body. I would recommend focusing on low-glycemic foods (Daniel Fast friendly ones, of course) and avoiding foods that are problematic. If you have concerns about specific foods, consult a nutritionist or doctor.

What foods can I have?
The best part about the Daniel Fast is that you can eat, unlike a water or liquid fast. For a list of foods that are Daniel Fast friendly and those foods that should be avoided, see my Daniel Fast Food List.

Will I get enough protein?
Animal products aren’t the only foods that contain high amounts of protein. Beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seeds, asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sprouts are good sources of this important nutrient as well. Another option is to use plant-based protein powder on your Daniel Fast. (Remember, since animal products aren’t allowed, protein powder that contains whey is not acceptable.)

Can I take my medication?
Yes, you should continue taking your medicine as prescribed. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your physician.

Is it OK to modify the food guidelines?
You don’t have to follow the food guidelines exactly to get the physical and spiritual benefits of the fast. God will honor whatever sacrifices you can make.

Do you have testimonies from diabetics who have done the Daniel Fast successfully?
I sure do! Below are three testimonies from individuals who experienced physical and spiritual transformation as a result of their three-week journey.

“I saw my blood sugar drop to normal. It had been running in the 170s in AM, (90-120 is normal, 120-140 for diabetics). While I was on the Daniel Fast, my blood sugar was in the 130-140 range. Praise God! This happened two years ago as well!” – Alice (2021)

“My insulin was cut in half. Fasting blood sugar was in 120s. Afternoon blood sugars 80s to 90s. I also lost 23 pounds, four inches in my waist and five in my hips. The swelling in my liver and stomach has gone down. I still have a long way to go on my journey. However, I am happy with my results and the closeness it has brought with me and the Lord.” – Cynthia (2021)

“This was the first time my girlfriend Ruth and I did the Daniel Fast, and it was amazing. I was diagnosed as a diabetic in 2013. My blood sugar stays in the range of 200-340 the majority of the time. During the fast, it was around 200. After the 21 days, my blood sugar has been 122-140!” – Guain (2016)

more daniel fast resources

You’ll also want to take advantage of my free daily videos and prayer points for your fast.

2021 Daniel Fast

December 13, 2020 By Kristen Feola

As 2020 comes to a close, the world is desperate for hope. After months of dealing with the unique challenges of the COVID pandemic, fear is rampant. People are isolated, weary, lonely, and depressed. Perhaps you are, too. One truth we need to remember is that God is isn’t at all surprised by the events of the past year. While it may appear on the surface that the situation is getting worse, I believe what’s happening is a setup for something greater than we can imagine. A setup for miracles.

If you want to see God do the impossible in your life, join the 2021 Daniel Fast. The them for this year is “Miracles in the Making,” based upon Psalm 77:14: “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”

Decide now to commit to the Daniel Fast, and watch what God does in response to your commitment. As François Fénelon, former French archbishop and theologian, said, “Time spent in prayer is never wasted.” Join me and thousands of believers across the globe as we believe God for miracles in 2021.

For more information on the 21-day fast, see About the Daniel Fast

Resources for your fast

books/ebooks

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast – This book is a must have for your 21-day journey.
Miracles in the Making: 21 Days of Prayer on the Daniel Fast – Daily devotional guide that takes you through the book of Nehemiah. Each devotional includes a Scripture passage to read, as well as prayer points with Bible verses.
Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast – Daily devotional guide that explores the story of King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites as told in 2 Chron. 20.
Have Your Way: 21 Days of Surrender Through the Daniel Fast – Daily devotional guide that studies the early life of Samuel.

Other resources

2021 Daily Videos
Ultimate Daniel Fast Prayer Points
How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast
Daniel Fast Food List
FAQs
Ultimate Daniel Fast Facebook Group – This private forum is a place where you can find answers to questions, as well as give and receive encouragement from other fasters.
Side Effects on the Daniel Fast
Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast
Five Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier

Divine Interruption

July 6, 2020 By Kristen Feola

As I was walking out of church yesterday, a friend asked, “What are you and Justin doing this afternoon?” I told her we didn’t have much going on, so we’d probably just relax. A trip to urgent care definitely wasn’t part of our plan.

Shortly after I got home from church, I went into our shed to get birdseed for the little feathered friends who frequently visit our backyard. After filling up their feeder, I went back into the shed to put away the bag of seed. As I walked out and started to shut the door, I felt an intense blow to my right heel, so sharp that I doubled over in pain. My first thought was I’m going to have a massive, ugly black bruise (I bruise easily). I didn’t know what hit me, but I assumed it was one of the garden tools propped up in the corner against a shelf.

Turns out, it was an ax that fell from the wall. As I hobbled into the house, crying, my husband ran toward me to find out what had happened. When he looked at my sliced ankle and saw blood, along with the white of my Achilles tendon, he said, “Sit down! We’re going to the emergency room!”

I suggested driving to urgent care instead because 1) it was closer, and 2) it would probably be much quicker than a five-hour wait in the ER. I’m glad we made that choice because a doctor came to examine me within five minutes of our arrival. Thankfully, the laceration in my ankle wasn’t deep enough to cut the tendon, so surgery wasn’t needed, only six staples and five sutures.

I’m sad that I won’t be able to walk my dog, ride my bike, or go rock climbing for about two weeks. But I’m trusting God to help me. I’m leaning on his strength. Just this morning, I prayed, “Lord, I surrender to you.” I want God to have his way in me (just like our January 2020 Daniel Fast theme). Rather than wallow in self-pity, I’m determined to embrace this down time.

Did God cause my injury? No. Did he allow it? Yes, I believe he did. Sometimes our loving Father permits pain–not as punishment, but to redirect us or to force us to rest. In my case, it’s most likely both.

Maybe you’ve never been attacked by an ax, but I’m positive you’ve blindsided by an unexpected event. You know what it feels like when your plans are interrupted or when the circumstances of your life don’t turn out quite as you’d hoped.

Today, if you’re facing a painful trial–whether physical, relational, financial, or spiritual–I want to encourage you to draw near to God. He’ll give you strength. He’ll provide everything you need. He’ll fill your heart with hope so you don’t fall into despair.

I told my neighbor earlier today, “I’m so glad this pain is temporary.” And it’s true:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

When hard times come, the only way to experience joy and peace is to look to God and remember his promises. If we focus on him instead of our pain, then we’ll have victory in the unexpected events that come our way.

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2020

February 12, 2020 By Kristen Feola

Easter is one of the two most significant holidays for Christians, the other one being Christmas. On December 25, we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us from our sins. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory we’ve been given through his death, burial, and resurrection.

The six weeks leading up to Easter is known as the season of Lent. Many believers choose to set aside time during this 40-day period to reflect on the Lord’s sacrifice and to consecrate themselves before him. Such preparation often includes days of fasting from certain foods, television, and/or social media. During this time, many Christians also choose to participate in a Daniel Fast.

This year, the Lenten Fast starts on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and ends on Thursday, April 9. (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday is technically 44 days; however, the number of days for penance and fasting before Easter is still 40: 44 days minus six Sundays equals 38, plus Good Friday and Holy Saturday equals 40).

Will you commit to fast and pray during Lent? Following are a few ways you can participate:

Follow my 40-day Prayer Guide.
Do a Daniel Fast (my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides all you need to complete the fast successfully).
Use Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast to guide your Bible study and prayer time.
Fast one day a week.
Do a combination of fasts (water, juice, Daniel).
Print out a copy of my Holy Week Prayer Guide and use it the week before Easter.

The most important thing you and I can do is to pray. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16B NLT). May the Lord go before us and perform miracles in people’s lives during this Lenten season!

[For more information about the Daniel Fast, visit About the Daniel Fast.]

Wait on the Lord

September 11, 2019 By Kristen Feola

I was sitting in my car in our driveway, waiting for my teenage daughter. After several minutes, I became impatient and tapped the horn a few times to get her attention. Eventually, she sauntered through the door, not caring at all that she was about to be tardy for her first class of the day.

“What took you so long?!” I said with irritation in my voice. Without giving her a chance to respond, I added, “I feel like I’m always waiting for you!”

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I felt convicted. Instead of getting upset, I should have kept my emotions under control. During the silent drive to school, I thought about how waiting is part of life and how it’s also often God’s divine plan.

We tend to view the act of waiting as a big negative. Who enjoys standing in a long line at the grocery store? Who actually gets excited to be stuck in traffic on Friday after a long day of work? In our fast-paced, immediate gratification society, waiting isn’t something that’s valued. In fact, we usually try to avoid it at all costs.

But the Bible speaks very differently about this topic:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14).

“The Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help” (Is. 30:18 NLT).

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him” (Lam. 3:25 ESV).

Our church recently completed a 21-day fast, and I’m still waiting for God’s direction on several of my personal prayer requests. Some days I struggle with discouragement because God’s answers aren’t clear. During those moments, I have to change my focus from frustration to faith. The Lord is at work in my circumstances, even if I can’t see what he’s doing. My loving heavenly Father is ordering my steps, and he will show me the way to go when the time is right.

Does God have you in a season of waiting? If so, immerse yourself in his Word. Recite verses such as the ones above to keep you from falling into despair. Consider how the Lord wants you to handle unexpected and unwanted delays when they occur in your life.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Is. 40:31 NKJV).

God promises to give us endurance, hope, strength, and perseverance as we wait on him. He promises VICTORY!

So, if you think about it, waiting isn’t such a bad thing after all. It’s a blessing in disguise—an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with the One who loves you most.