There is a reason for everything, including waiting. I want to share a kind of modern-day parable with you. I pray it speaks to you and maybe even gives you more insight into today’s verse (Psalm 27:17).

A while back, to place an order at a fast-food restaurant, I did the usual thing and drove up to the speaker. I proceeded to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for my order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and said, "Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready."

I was a little upset, but I pulled over and waited. I kept thinking: Why do other folks order and drive straight through, yet I have to wait? It seemed like hours before the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window, and handed me the order.

Of course, I asked her what took so long. She replied, "You wanted the special sauce, which meant it was a special order with sauce that doesn't usually come with that sandwich.”

I know she could tell I was unhappy about the wait, but when I bit into that sandwich, I forgot my frustrations and enjoyed the special sauce!

This scene often reflects our prayer life. We make our requests known to the Lord. Our menu is His Word, where He has given us His promises, explained the cost, and He assures us that He will give us the desires of our hearts. But if God doesn't answer immediately or within a span of time determined by our limited patience, we become impatient.

Lord, I prayed yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer. Why is it taking so long?

Others around us are seeing their prayers answered–God is moving in their lives. Yet, it appears that we’ve been overlooked or neglected.

Then, just when you think things are about to work out and your prayer is being answered, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer–I’m not finished yet!"

That particular day, it frustrated me to no end until the clerk brought out my sandwich. But that's when the revelation became clear. Suddenly, in the quietness of my heart, the questions welled up in my heart:

• Do you know why the Lord has put you to the side?
• Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing?
• Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever before?
• Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care?
• Do you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggles this time?

Then, that small still voice begins to speak:

“Because the answer is custom-made for you. Since you made the request, and I only give good and perfect things to my children, you will receive the answer to your request in my time and not yours.”

Maybe the parable isn’t a perfect fit, but I believe God’s message to us is perfect.

• How many people have driven away after paying for it, before the clerk brought their food?
• How many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait?

Have patience.
Keep on waiting.
You made a request, now wait on God's answer–

He knows the need.
He has the answer.

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

They who wait on the Lord shall receive His answer!

Prayer:
Father, forgive me and help me to remember that all things are done in Your time, that You see the bigger picture and know what I need when I need it. Amen.

But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
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