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Young Black Parishioner With Bible In Hands

Waiting on the Lord ain’t always easy. Sometimes it feels long, heavy, and uncertain. But child of God, don’t let the stretch fool you—God is still working. He’s shaping you, strengthening you, and preparing you for what’s next.This season of waiting is not a punishment. It’s a process. And in that process, the Lord is teaching us how to lean on Him—not on our own strength, not on our own plans, but on His promises. He’s showing us that His grace is enough, and His power shows up best when we feel weak.Sometimes the waiting room becomes the prayer room. It’s where we learn to cry out a little louder, worship a little deeper, and trust a little harder. It’s where we stop trying to fix it ourselves and start letting God be God.The Word reminds us in Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon 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.”That’s not just poetry—that’s a promise. Waiting may stretch you, but it won’t break you. It builds you. It grows you. And when God opens that door, you won’t walk through tired and defeated. You’ll walk through with power, with wisdom, and with a testimony that says, “Look at God!”If you’re in a season of waiting, know this—God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s working in the silence, building your strength, deepening your faith, and preparing you for what’s next. The stretch may be uncomfortable, but it serves a purpose. Trust God. Your blessing is on the way.

Faith in the Waiting, Part 3: Strength for the Stretch

Let’s be honest for a moment. Patience is not something that comes easily. We live in a world where everyone wants instant gratification, instant answers, instant results, instant everything. But our God does not operate on our timeline. He is neither rushed nor late. What may feel like a delay to us is often God working things out for our good.Learning to Love God’s “Wait”Have you ever prayed and it seemed like heaven was quiet? Like nothing was moving, and you wondered, “Lord, did You hear me?” Oh, but hear me today—silence is not absence. Sometimes God says, “Not yet, my child.” And that “wait” is not punishment; it’s protection.Some blessings take time. God is growing us up so that when the blessing comes, we can hold it and not drop it. Some doors look good, but they’re not the right door for you. God closes what needs closing so you won’t settle for less than His best. The waiting room is not wasted space. It’s where God builds your character. It’s where your faith muscles get stronger. Didn’t the Bible tell us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”? That means God has already marked the calendar.Patience Grows Our FaithPatience isn’t just sitting still—it’s trusting while you wait. Every time you say, “Lord, I still trust You,” even when you don’t see the answer yet, your roots go deeper. Think about a seed in the ground. You don’t see it, but it’s pushing down roots before it ever pushes up fruit. That’s what waiting does in our walk with God—it anchors us in Him so that when the blessing shows up, we can stand firm.A Word of EncouragementSo if you’re in a season of waiting right now, don’t give up. Don’t think God forgot about you. He sees you. He knows your name. He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end of your story. Hold on and trust Him. The delay is not denial. The wait is working for your good.And when the blessing comes, and it will come, you’ll be able to say, “Look at God!”

Faith in the Waiting, Part 2: Learning Patience in God’s Timing

Have you ever prayed diligently, seeking an answer from God, only to be met with silence? The waiting can feel unbearable. Doubt creeps in. Questions rise like “Lord, do You hear me? Do You see me?”Waiting on God is one of the most complex tests of faith. It’s in these quiet seasons that our hearts can grow weary. Yet, the silence of God is not His absence—it is often His greatest classroom.The Silence Has Purpose Scripture reminds us:“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)The waiting room of God is not wasted time. It is a sacred place where:<ul><li>Our faith is refined. Like gold tested by fire, our trust in Him grows stronger.</li><li>Our hearts are prepared. Sometimes what we’re asking for requires us to be ready in ways we can’t yet see.</li><li>God is working behind the scenes. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean He’s not moving.</li></ul>What to Do in the Waiting<ol><li>Keep praying – Even when you don’t hear an answer, your prayers are not ignored. God treasures every word.</li><li>Worship through the silence – Praise is a weapon against discouragement. When we lift our voices, heaven moves.</li><li>Remember His past faithfulness – Recall the times God has already carried you through. His record is flawless.</li></ol>Encouragement for TodayIf you feel like heaven is silent, don’t lose hope. God may be preparing a greater blessing than you can imagine. The silence you experience is often a sign that He is working on your behalf.Hold on; your breakthrough will come and when it does, you’ll realize that even the waiting was part of His perfect love for you.Take this Step in FaithWhat are you waiting for God to do today? Take a moment to write it down, pray over it, and trust that He is listening—even in the silence.

Faith in the Waiting, Part 1: When God is Silent: Finding Strength in the Waiting

Spruce Tree Forest, Sunbeams through Morning Fog

Scripture Focus: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (NIV)As summer draws to a close and the new season begins, this period presents an excellent opportunity to take some time for personal reflection and renewal. Much like students organizing their backpacks for the school year and families revising their schedules, it's essential to prepare our hearts for the forthcoming blessings and challenges.Here are several strategies to help refresh your spirit:<ol><li>Reflect on God’s Faithfulness – Look back on the past months and see how God has guided you.</li><li>Let Go of Worries – Release burdens to God through prayer and scripture meditation.</li><li>Set Spiritual Goals – Decide on one area to grow this season, whether it’s prayer, reading Scripture, or serving others.</li></ol>A renewed spirit sets the tone for joy, peace, and purpose. God is inviting you into a season of growth—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.Take a few to journal your prayers and intentions for the new season, then share one insight with a friend or fellow church member.

Renewing Your Spirit Before a New Season

David attacks Goliath with a sling in the valley of Elah

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)"who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."Giants Still FallWe often think of giants as towering, mythical enemies from ancient times, like Goliath before David or armies that stood in the way of Israel’s promise. If we're honest, we all face giants today. They come disguised as fear, illness, anxiety, financial hardship, addiction, broken relationships, or the pain of loss. They tower over us, mocking our faith and daring us to believe that God is still with us.Yet Hebrews 11 reminds us that the same faith that empowered ancient heroes to conquer kingdoms and escape danger is still alive in us today.Strength in WeaknessHebrews 11:33–34 provides a glimpse into the lives of people who weren't perfect, yet whose faith made them powerful. These verses tell of men and women who:<ul><li>Shut the mouths of lions (Daniel),</li><li>Quenched flames (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego),</li><li>Escaped death by the sword (David, Elijah, and others),</li><li>Had their weakness turned into strength.</li></ul>What a beautiful promise: God does not require our perfection, only our surrender. Our weakness is not a disqualifier, it is the very place where His strength shines brightest.You Are Not Alone in the Battle The battles we face are real, but so is the God who goes before us. Scripture never promises a life free from trouble, but it does promise that we will never face it alone. The heroes of Hebrews 11 were not superhuman. They were ordinary people who believed in an extraordinary God.Just like them, we are called to stand, even when it’s hard. To trust, even when we cannot see the outcome. To speak life, even when we feel broken. And to move forward, even when fear tells us to retreat.How Do We Overcome Giants? 1. By remembering who God is.&nbsp;Giants tremble not because of us, but because of the God who stands with us. When fear rises, speak God’s truth louder.2. By staying grounded in His Word.&nbsp;Scripture builds faith. It reminds us of His promises and faithfulness. Make it your weapon.3. By choosing faith over feelings.&nbsp;Faith is not the absence of fear; it is the courage to trust God in the middle of it.4. By leaning into community.&nbsp;You are not meant to fight alone. God places people around you, including your church family, spiritual mentors, and friends, to encourage and uplift you.Final Encouragement Whatever giant you face today, remember this: God still turns weakness into strength. He still gives victory in the battle. He still moves through faith. Hebrews 11 is more than a list of ancient heroes; it is an invitation to rise and believe that the same power is available to us today.So, don’t shrink back. Don’t listen to the voice that tells you you’re too weak, too wounded, too late, or too broken.By faith, giants still fall.Reflections<ol><li>What giants are you currently facing in your life?</li><li>How can you build your faith this week through prayer, Scripture, and community?</li></ol>

Overcoming Giants: Strength Through Faith

<figure id="figure-lkkpjy1h58md0vnsjo"data-full-width><img id="lkkpjy1h58md0vnsjo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/242RgEotGrtTY7RInQ51X8jdAnEHplthrLtIuh62LDjxQdciqXcsMiI7PC1xVWbr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure>Have you ever felt like prayer should be easier than it is?Maybe you’re not sure what to say, how to start, or if your prayers are even making a difference. The truth is—prayer was never meant to be complicated. It’s simply a conversation with God. And when we learn how to approach Him with honesty and consistency, it changes everything.Join us for an online study of Joyce Meyer’s inspiring book, The Power of Simple Prayer!&nbsp;It doesn't matter if you are new to prayer or looking to deepen your practice; this is an excellent opportunity to fellowship and grow within a supportive community. Don’t miss out!Weekly Topics:August 6, 2025: The Foundation of PrayerAugust 13, 2025: The Power and Potential of PrayerAugust 20, 2025: Exploring Types of PrayerAugust 27, 2025: Deepening Your Prayer LifeSeptember 3, 2025: Victory and Listening in PrayerHere’s how to join us:When: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (ET) on Zoom Meeting ID: 656-167-4226 Passcode: 1993Inform your friends and family, add it to your calendar, and grab the book if you’d like to follow along with us. Let’s grow together in prayer.

Discover the Power of Simple Prayer: A 5-Week Study Series

First Baptist Church of Bunche Park

First Baptist Church of Bunche Park in Miami Gardens is a welcoming community focused on faith, worship, and outreach. Join us for inspiring services, Bible studies, and youth programs.

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Faith in the Waiting, Part 3: Strength for the Stretch

Faith in the Waiting, Part 2: Learning Patience in God’s ...

Faith in the Waiting, Part 1: When God is Silent: Finding...

Renewing Your Spirit Before a New Season

Overcoming Giants: Strength Through Faith

Discover the Power of Simple Prayer: A 5-Week Study Series