Waiting on someone can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience. Seeking divine guidance is essential when deciding whether to wait or move forward.
According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 84% of American adults consider love to be a very important reason to get married, and 88% cite making a lifelong commitment as a vital factor. Yet, the journey to finding this love and making this commitment is often filled with periods of waiting and uncertainty.
We trust His plan for love, even when it seems elusive, and we seek His guidance in our dating lives.
You Will Learn Today
- Recognize the signs of God’s guidance in waiting on someone
- Experience inner peace as a sign to wait
- Seek confirmation from God through prayer
- Align your decision with biblical principles and God’s Word
- Pay attention to divinely orchestrated circumstances
Sign 1: Recurring Thoughts
Our minds are powerful tools, capable of processing thousands of thoughts each day. According to a study by Queen’s University in Canada, the average person has over 6,200 thoughts per day.
Among these thoughts, some stand out more than others, especially when they revolve around a particular person. If you constantly find yourself thinking about someone, it could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on them.
This is not about obsession or unhealthy fixation. It’s about a gentle, persistent thought that keeps coming back, a thought that feels different from the rest. It’s about a sense of connection that you can’t shake off, a feeling that there’s something more to this relationship that’s yet to unfold.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
These recurring thoughts can come in various forms. You might find yourself thinking about the person when you wake up in the morning or before you go to sleep at night.
You might find their name popping up in your mind during the day, even when you’re busy with other things. You might find yourself praying for them, hoping for their well-being, and wishing them happiness.
These thoughts are not intrusive or disruptive. Instead, they bring a sense of peace and calm. They make you feel hopeful and patient, even in the face of uncertainty. They make you willing to wait, to give the relationship the time it needs to grow and mature.
So, if you find yourself experiencing these recurring thoughts, take note. It could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on this person. It could be a sign that this relationship is worth the wait.
Sign 2: Peace in Waiting
Waiting can be a challenging process, filled with uncertainty and anxiety. However, when you’re waiting on God’s timing, there’s a unique sense of peace that accompanies the process.
This peace is not a mere absence of conflict or stress. It’s a deep, profound tranquility that surpasses all understanding, as described in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This peace comes from trusting God’s plan for love. It comes from knowing that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has a perfect plan for your life. It comes from believing that His timing is always right, even when it doesn’t align with your own.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Individuals who have a high level of trust in God tend to have lower levels of worry, stress, and depression. They are more likely to experience peace and contentment, even in challenging situations.
This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on an internal trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
So, if you’re feeling a sense of peace while waiting on someone, take note. It could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on this person. It could be a sign that you’re on the right path, even if the journey seems long and uncertain.
It could be a sign that you’re learning to trust God’s plan for love, to surrender your own plans and timelines, and to wait on His perfect timing.
Sign 3: Confirmation from God’s Word
God’s Word is a powerful tool for guidance and direction. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
God often speaks to us through His Word, providing us with wisdom and insight for our situations.
If you find scriptures that speak directly to your situation, it could be a sign that you should wait. These scriptures might come to you during your personal Bible study, during a sermon at church, or even during a conversation with a friend.
They might resonate with you in a unique way, speaking directly to your heart and your circumstances.
You might come across scriptures about patience, such as Romans 8:25, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Or you might find scriptures about God’s perfect timing, such as Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
These scriptures can serve as a confirmation from God, affirming your decision to wait. They can provide you with peace and assurance, reminding you of God’s sovereignty and love. They can strengthen your faith, helping you to trust in God’s plan and timing.
God’s Word is not just a book; it’s a living, active force, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It’s a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). So, if you’re experiencing confirmation from God’s Word, take note. It could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on someone.
Sign 4: Signs from God in Other’s Relationships
God often uses the relationships around us as mirrors, reflecting back to us the lessons we need to learn and the growth we need to experience. These relationships can serve as signs, guiding us in our own relationship journey.
If you notice patterns or lessons in other relationships that apply to your situation, it could be a sign that you should wait. These patterns could be positive or negative, serving as examples to follow or pitfalls to avoid.
For instance, you might observe a friend who rushed into a relationship without taking the time to know the other person well. You might see the challenges and struggles they face as a result. This could serve as a cautionary tale, reminding you of the importance of patience in relationships.
“Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
On the other hand, you might observe a couple who took the time to build a strong friendship before entering into a romantic relationship. You might see the depth and strength of their bond, the mutual respect and understanding they share.
This could serve as an inspiring example, encouraging you to wait and build a solid foundation for your own relationship.
Observing and learning from other people’s experiences is a key factor in human learning and development. This observational learning can be particularly valuable in the context of relationships, providing us with insights and lessons that can guide our own journey.
So, if you’re noticing patterns or lessons in other relationships that resonate with your situation, take note. It could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on someone. It could be a sign that you’re learning and growing, preparing for the relationship that’s yet to come.
Sign 5: Unresolved Personal Issues
Personal growth and self-improvement are crucial aspects of any relationship. If you or the person you’re interested in have unresolved personal issues, it could be a sign that you need to wait and allow God to work in your lives first.
These issues could range from emotional wounds and past traumas to unhealthy habits and patterns of behavior. They could be issues of self-esteem, trust, or communication. They could be areas of your life where you need healing, growth, or transformation.
Unresolved personal issues can significantly impact the quality and stability of romantic relationships. They can lead to patterns of conflict, dissatisfaction, and instability. They can prevent you from building a healthy, fulfilling relationship.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
So, if you’re aware of these issues in your life or in the life of the person you’re interested in, take note. It could be a sign that you need to wait. It could be a sign that you need to focus on personal growth and healing before entering into a relationship.
God is a God of transformation. He can bring healing to your wounds, strength to your weaknesses, and wisdom to your confusion. He can work in you and through you, preparing you for the relationship He has in store for you.
So, don’t rush into a relationship without addressing these issues. Take the time to seek God’s healing and transformation. Allow Him to work in your life, shaping you into the person He created you to be. And as you do, you’ll find that your relationships become healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling.
Sign 6: The Person is Not Ready
Readiness for a relationship is a crucial factor in its success. If the person you’re interested in is not ready for a relationship, it’s a clear sign that you need to wait.
This readiness involves emotional maturity, personal stability, and a willingness to commit to a relationship.
Readiness for a relationship is one of the strongest predictors of relationship satisfaction and longevity. It influences the quality of the relationship, the level of commitment, and the likelihood of its success.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
So, if the person you’re interested in is not ready for a relationship, take note. It could be a sign that you need to wait. It could be a sign that they need more time to prepare for a relationship, to grow personally, or to resolve their own issues.
Remember, a relationship is a partnership. It involves two people, each bringing their own strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and expectations. If one person is not ready, it can affect the entire relationship. It can lead to imbalance, conflict, and dissatisfaction.
Don’t rush into a relationship if the other person is not ready. Give them the time and space they need to prepare for a relationship. Trust in God’s timing, knowing that He is at work in their life just as He is in yours. And as you wait, continue to grow and prepare yourself for the relationship God has in store for you.
Sign 7: Seeking God’s Guidance in Dating
Dating can be a complex and confusing process. It involves navigating a myriad of emotions, expectations, and decisions. In the midst of this complexity, seeking God’s guidance can provide clarity and direction.
If you’re actively seeking God’s guidance in your dating life and you feel led to wait, it’s a sign you should.
God’s guidance in dating comes in various forms. It could be a sense of peace about waiting, a confirmation from His Word, or wise counsel from trusted individuals.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
It could be a recurring thought or a deep conviction in your heart. It could be a series of events that seem to point towards waiting.
God is not a distant, detached deity. He is a personal, loving God who cares about every detail of your life, including your dating life. He wants to guide you, to lead you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8). He wants to give you wisdom and understanding, to help you make wise decisions (James 1:5).
If you’re seeking God’s guidance and you feel led to wait, take note. It could be a sign that God is telling you to wait on someone. It could be a sign that you’re learning to trust God’s wisdom and timing, to surrender your own plans and desires, and to wait on His perfect plan.
Sign 8: Doors are Not Opening
In the journey of relationships, opportunities often present themselves as doors that open, leading to new possibilities and progress. However, if these doors are not opening, it could be a sign to wait.
This could mean that the timing is not right, or that there are other factors at play that need to be addressed first.
These doors could be various opportunities for the relationship to progress. It could be opportunities for deeper conversations, for spending quality time together, or for getting to know each other better.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14
It could be opportunities for resolving conflicts, for building trust, or for growing together.
The progression of a relationship is a key factor in its stability and satisfaction. It influences the depth of the connection, the level of commitment, and the overall health of the relationship.
However, if these opportunities are not presenting themselves, it could be a sign to wait. It could be a sign that the relationship needs more time to develop, or that there are issues that need to be addressed first.
It could be a sign that you need to wait on God's timing, trusting that He will open the right doors at the right time.
He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), and He orchestrates the events of our lives with perfect wisdom and precision. So, if the doors are not opening, trust in His timing. Wait on His plan, knowing that when the time is right, He will open the right doors.
Sign 9: Growth in Faith and Personal Development
A significant sign that God may be telling you to wait on someone is the noticeable growth in your own faith and personal development during this period.
When waiting leads to a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of yourself, it’s often an indication that you are on the right path.
- Deepening Faith: Waiting periods can strengthen your trust in God. As you rely on Him more, you might find your faith growing stronger. This deepening relationship with God can be a clear indicator that your waiting is purposeful and aligned with His plan. In James 1:3-4, it’s mentioned, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
- Personal Development: Waiting is also an opportunity for personal growth. Whether it’s cultivating patience, learning to communicate more effectively, or developing a stronger sense of self, these periods of growth are often aligned with God’s timing for relationships. The development of such qualities not only prepares you for future relationships but also contributes to your overall well-being and fulfillment in life.
Sign 10: Synchronicity and Divine Encounters
Sometimes, God’s message for you to wait is communicated through meaningful coincidences and events that feel divinely orchestrated. These can come as affirmations or gentle nudges, steering you in the direction of patience and trust.
- Meaningful Coincidences: You might encounter situations, conversations, or even serendipitous moments that consistently point towards waiting. These could be seen as affirmations from God, guiding you gently towards patience. They often carry a sense of peace and clarity, differentiating them from random occurrences.
- Divine Encounters: Encounters that profoundly impact your spiritual journey can also be a sign to wait. These might include impactful spiritual experiences during worship, prayer, or everyday interactions. They serve as reminders that God is actively involved in your life, guiding and shaping your journey, including your relationships.
Incorporating these signs into your framework offers a well-rounded perspective that combines internal growth and external experiences as indicators of God’s guidance in relationships.
Each individual’s journey is unique, and these signs may manifest differently for everyone. The key lies in staying attuned to God’s presence and guidance in all aspects of life.
How do I stay patient while waiting on God’s timing for a relationship?
Staying patient can involve deepening your relationship with God, engaging in activities that enrich your life, serving others, and cultivating a network of support among friends and faith community.
What if I never feel like it’s the right time to pursue the relationship?
If you never feel it’s the right time, it could be a sign that the relationship is not God’s will for you, or it may mean that there’s more personal growth or healing required. Continue to seek God’s guidance and be open to His leading, whatever direction it might take.
Conclusion
Waiting on someone can be a challenging journey, but recognizing the signs that God may be telling you to wait can bring clarity and peace to your heart. It’s important to remember that God’s timing is perfect, and by trusting in His plan, you can navigate the waiting period with faith and patience.
These signs are meant to guide you and provide divine guidance in your decision-making. Through seeking God’s guidance, you can have confidence in waiting for the relationship that aligns with His will.
Embracing patience and trusting God’s plan can be difficult, but remember that in the waiting, there is growth and preparation. Allow yourself to surrender control and place your trust in God’s hands. He knows what is best for you and will lead you in the right direction.
As you wait, hold on to the hope and assurance that God is with you every step of the way. Through prayer, seeking wisdom from trusted advisors, and aligning with biblical principles, you can find strength in the waiting. Rest assured that God’s plan for your life will unfold in His perfect timing, and it will be more beautiful than you could ever imagine.
