As I approach three years of marriage, I can still vividly remember the 12 years of singleness before meeting my husband. I remember crying myself to sleep, soaking my pillow with tears. I thought, “Maybe I’m too introverted.” My mind was plagued with doubts, and honestly, I wondered if I simply wasn’t worth choosing.
What I didn’t know was that God delayed things on purpose. When you read the rest of my story, you’ll agree with me when I say, “God knew best.”
Many single Christian women earnestly long to become wives and mothers. I recently saw a Mother’s Day tribute about a woman grieving another year without a child. I felt that same ache during my own season of singleness.
I met my husband in the summer of 2021 through social media. We both belonged to the same Christian singles group on Facebook, though neither of us realized it then. That July, he shared a post that deeply encouraged my heart and spirit. I commented on how much it blessed me, but I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to say more.
I followed that nudge and sent him a message explaining how his words impacted me. The next day, he started another conversation, and we’ve been talking ever since. We dated long distance for a year and four months before marrying on July 29, 2023. Even until this very day, I can see God’s perfect timing all over our story.
God’s Delays Often Protect Us
We don’t always understand why God delays certain things that we ask Him for. Reading my story now, you might think, “Well, she’s married now, so everything is good.” While I’m blessed with a godly husband and a precious baby girl, I can tell you that marriage doesn’t eliminate life’s challenges. I face new challenges as a wife and mother—different from those during singleness.
Every season carries its own joys and difficulties.
Before meeting my husband, I had no idea how different our faith journeys had been. I grew up in church and gave my life to Christ at seven years old. My husband also grew up in church, but he didn’t fully surrender his life to the Lord until he was almost 31. Before then, he had spent four years in an on-and-off relationship that wasn’t helping him grow spiritually.
Had we met five or even ten years earlier, our relationship likely wouldn’t have worked.
As much as I desired marriage at the time, I knew I couldn’t compromise on being equally yoked. I prayed for a man who genuinely loved Jesus and pursued his own relationship with Him. Today, I can honestly say my husband is a faithful follower of Christ and the spiritual leader of our home.
Looking back, I realize God’s delay wasn’t punishment. It was preparation for both of us.
Waiting Doesn’t Mean God Has Forgotten You
What happens when God delays things beyond our desired timeline?
Maybe you’re asking God for marriage, children, healing, a new job, or direction for your future. Waiting can feel confusing, especially when your prayers seem to go unanswered.
I would have loved to be married before turning 30. But now, I see that God knew exactly when to bring my husband into my life. Had I rushed ahead or tried to force a relationship with someone else, it likely would have ended in heartbreak. God, in His grace, would have redeemed my mistakes. But waiting patiently and trusting His timing protected me from unnecessary pain.
That reminds me of Abraham and Sarah’s story.
After years of waiting for God’s promised son, Sarah tried fulfilling God’s promise her own way by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham (Genesis 16). But God’s plan never changed. His promise would come through Isaac, Sarah’s son, not Ishmael. Although God blessed Ishmael, Isaac was always the child of promise.
Their story reminds us that God’s promises don’t require us to force His timing.
So how can we wait on the Lord when it feels like there is a delay?
1. Trust God’s Heart Towards You
It’s easy to think God is withholding something during a waiting season. However, when those thoughts come, ask yourself this question: “Does God have good things in store for me?” Scripture shows us that He does.
When God chooses to delay, it doesn’t mean life will be free from hardship, but it does mean that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).
It’s easier to trust His timing when we genuinely believe that God is a good Father.
2. Fight Lies with God’s Word
The enemy will whisper that God has forgotten you. Don’t believe him. Fight back with God’s Word.
Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the “renewing of our minds.” You can do this practically by replacing the enemy’s lies with truth. When a discouraging thought enters your mind, don’t let it settle. Reject it and replace it with God’s Word.
Speak your favorite Scripture aloud if you need to. Repeat His promises until your heart remembers what is true. When we combat negative thoughts with the Word of God, we see that even though those thoughts may come back, we have more truth to outweigh them.
3. Find Joy Where You Are Right Now
You’re probably tired of hearing about “being content,” but Paul knew what he was talking about. Being content doesn’t mean abandoning your desires. It means choosing gratitude while waiting.
Instead of allowing singleness to consume your thoughts, spend time with friends. Take a night out. Enjoy hobbies you love like bowling, skating, or miniature golf. Try something new. Travel, serve, learn, create, or just simply rest.
The key is to never allow the enemy to steal today’s joy because you’re only focused on the future. You will miss out on God’s plans for you in the present.
You can eagerly hope for the future while fully embracing the season God has you in today.
God’s Timing Is Always Worth Trusting
I wish I could tell you exactly when your waiting season will end.
Unfortunately, I can’t.
But I can tell you this: God is good, and He gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).
While marriage isn’t life’s ultimate reward, it is a beautiful blessing God gives to demonstrate His heart toward His bride—the church.
Whether your waiting season concludes tomorrow or years from now, your life carries purpose today. God is still working, even when you can’t see it.
If you find yourself in a season of delay, don’t lose heart. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep believing.
Know that God has good things for you, and trust that He knows what He’s doing and what’s best for your life.
