Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in the "lobby" of your own life? You know that feeling, you’ve checked in, you’ve said your prayers, you’ve done the work, and now you’re just… sitting there. Waiting.
I’ve been there more times than I can count. Whether it’s waiting for a breakthrough in a relationship, a "yes" on a big project, or even just waiting for a season of heaviness to lift, the middle is a tough place to be. It’s that space between the promise and the payoff. It’s where doubt likes to whisper, "Maybe it’s not coming," or "Maybe God forgot."
But here’s what I’ve been learning lately at Light of Damaris: The middle isn't a mistake. It’s not wasted time or a detour. It’s actually where the most beautiful parts of our story are written. If you’re in a waiting season right now, I want to sit with you in that space today. Let’s talk about how we can find beauty in the middle, even when our patience is wearing thin.
Why the "Middle" Feels So Hard
I think the reason the waiting season is so difficult is that we live in a world that values the finish line. We celebrate the promotion, the wedding, the healing, and the "big win." We rarely throw a party for the person who is still praying, still hoping, and still showing up every day without seeing a result yet.
I’ll be honest with you, I have always found it hard to stay motivated when the finish line feels miles away. I’m the kind of person who wants to see the progress bar moving! When it stays at 50% for months, I start to get restless. Maybe you do, too?
But I’ve realized that if we only focus on the destination, we miss the incredible work God is doing in us right now. The waiting season is God’s classroom. It’s where He shapes our character, strengthens our "faith muscles," and prepares us for the very thing we’re asking for. If we got everything we wanted the moment we asked for it, we wouldn’t have the strength or the wisdom to handle it when it finally arrived.
Shifting Our Perspective: From "When" to "Who"
When we’re waiting, our main question is usually, "When, Lord?"
When will the door open? When will the pain stop? When will I see the fruit of my labor?
Lately, I’ve been trying to shift my question from "When" to "Who." As in, "Who are You, Lord, in the middle of this?" and "Who am I becoming while I wait?"
Finding beauty in the middle starts with recognizing that God is just as present in the waiting room as He is in the winner’s circle. In fact, I’ve often found Him to be more present in the quiet, slow seasons. It’s in the middle that we learn to lean on Him because we have nothing else to lean on.
If you’re feeling anxious today, I want to share a little reminder that helps me stay grounded:
Practical Ways to Find Beauty While You Wait
It’s one thing to say "just trust God," but it’s another thing to actually do it when your heart is heavy. I’ve found that I need practical, tangible ways to keep my focus on Him. If you’re looking for a way to navigate this season, maybe these steps will help you like they’ve helped me.
1. Look Back to Move Forward
When I start to doubt that God is working, I find it so helpful to look back at His track record. He has never failed me before, so why would He start now?
I’ve started keeping a "Faithfulness Journal." It doesn’t have to be fancy, I love using something like our Jesus Heals Spiral Notebook to jot down even the smallest wins. When I see written proof of how He provided for me last year or even last week, it gives me the courage to trust Him for tomorrow.
2. Stay Rooted in the Word
It is so easy to let our emotions run the show when we’re waiting. One day we feel great, the next day we’re ready to give up. To counter that roller coaster, we need something steady.
I’ve found that I can’t rely on my own strength to stay positive. I have to get into the Word. If a full-year Bible plan feels overwhelming right now (trust me, I’ve struggled to finish those many times!), try a focused devotional. Our Fruit of the Spirit Devotional is a great way to spend just a few minutes a day refocusing your heart on things like patience and peace, the very things we need most in the middle!
3. Create a Restful Atmosphere
Your environment matters. If your home feels chaotic, it’s harder for your mind to find peace. I love setting aside time for a "Sabbath moment" in the middle of the week. I’ll light one of our Fruit of the Spirit candles, the scent of orange or pomegranate just has a way of lifting my mood, and I’ll just sit in the quiet for ten minutes. No phone, no "to-do" list, just me and God.
4. Wear Your Reminders
Sometimes we need a physical reminder of God’s promises throughout the day. I’ve always loved faith-inspired pieces that act as "spiritual touchstones." Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or even a specific outfit, like our Shine Mathew 5:16 Skater Dress, it reminds me that even in the waiting, I am called to reflect His light. Every time I catch my reflection, it’s a little nudge to keep going.
The Power of Honest Prayer
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that God isn’t offended by our honesty. If you’re frustrated, tell Him. If you’re tired of waiting, tell Him.
Worship in the waiting is powerful because it’s a sacrifice. It’s easy to praise God when everything is going perfectly. It’s a lot harder, and a lot more meaningful, to praise Him when you’re still waiting for the breakthrough.
Try using these prayer cards as a starting point for your daily conversations with Him:
A Simple Prayer for the Waiting Season:
"Lord, I’ll be honest, I’m tired of waiting. I want to see the end of this journey. But I trust that You are in the middle with me. Help me to see the beauty in today. Help me to learn what You want to teach me. I choose to believe that Your timing is perfect, even when it feels slow. Amen."
Finding the "Small Joys"
While you’re waiting for the "big thing," don’t forget to enjoy the "small things." God hides beauty in the everyday moments if we’re willing to look for it.
Maybe it’s the way the sun hits a suncatcher in your window, or the warmth of a morning coffee in your Jesus Heals Travel Mug. These aren't just coincidences; they are little love notes from God saying, "I’m still here. I still care about the details of your life."
If you want to join me this week, let’s make a pact. Let's stop holding our breath until the breakthrough happens. Let's start breathing now. Let’s look for one beautiful thing each day that has nothing to do with our "big prayer request" and everything to do with God’s goodness right here in the middle.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re feeling lonely in your waiting, please know that you are part of a community here at Light of Damaris. We are all "in the middle" of something! Whether you're waiting for a physical healing, a financial miracle, or a spiritual awakening, we are walking this path together.
Next week, we’re going to talk about Finding Peace Before the Breakthrough, where we’ll dive into how to take care of ourselves: our "temples": while God is working behind the scenes. It’s going to be a beautiful conversation about rest and renewal.
Until then, take a deep breath. God hasn't forgotten you. He’s just busy making sure the middle of your story is just as beautiful as the end.
Reflect on this today:
What is one thing God has taught you in this waiting season that you wouldn't have learned if things had happened "on time"?
Whatever it is, hold onto that. It’s a gift.
Stay encouraged, friend! ✨
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