Trusting God Through Seasons of Waiting and Growth
Summary
Life often feels like it’s moving at breakneck speed—Easter, elections, family celebrations, and before we know it, another year has passed. Yet, in the midst of this rush, there are seasons when time seems to stand still, especially when we’re waiting for God to move or answer prayers. In these moments, it’s easy to feel like we’re just going through the motions, not seeing spiritual growth or change, and wondering if God is really at work in our lives. But just as baking a cake requires a process—mixing, waiting, and trusting the outcome—so too does our walk with God. The Christian life is not about instant results, but about faithfully engaging in the process, trusting that God is working for our good, even when we can’t see it.
Romans 8:28-30 reminds us that God is always at work for the good of those who love Him, shaping us to be more like Christ. Yet, God’s definition of “good” often differs from our own. While we might long for comfort and ease, God calls us to step out of our comfort zones, to take risks of faith, and to trust Him even when the outcome is uncertain. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, faith sometimes means leaving behind what feels safe and familiar, and daring to trust Jesus in the midst of the storm.
It’s also important to remember that we are not forgotten in the waiting. God’s timing is rarely our timing, and the seasons of waiting can feel endless. But just as a farmer prepares his equipment in the winter for the coming harvest, God uses every season in our lives to prepare us for what’s ahead. Our task is not to anxiously strive for the next thing, but to be faithful where we are, trusting that God is present and active, even in the mundane or difficult moments.
Faithfulness in the present—whether that means reaching out to a neighbor, serving quietly, or simply persevering in prayer—is how we participate in God’s ongoing work. Our good works don’t earn us anything, but they reflect the love of a God who gave everything for us in Christ. As we wait with anticipation, we can trust that God is shaping us, using every season for His glory and our ultimate good.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Goodness Often Looks Different Than Our Expectations
What we consider “good” is often comfort, ease, or the absence of difficulty. But God’s goodness is about transformation—calling us out of comfort zones, challenging us to trust Him, and shaping us into the likeness of Christ. True good is not always what feels pleasant, but what draws us closer to God’s heart and purpose. [10:32]
- Faith Means Stepping Out Even When the Outcome Is Unclear
Like Peter stepping out of the boat, faith sometimes requires us to move beyond what makes sense or feels safe. The real risk is not in failing, but in never trusting God enough to take the first step. Spiritual growth happens when we dare to trust Jesus, even when we can’t see the whole picture. [11:26]
- God Speaks in Many Ways—Are We Listening?
God’s voice may not always come as a dramatic revelation; often, He speaks through Scripture, circumstances, other people, or even the quiet nudges of the Holy Spirit. The more we walk with Him, the more we learn to recognize His voice, just as we recognize the voice of a close friend. Attentiveness to God’s leading is cultivated through relationship and time spent with Him. [08:09]
- You Are Not Forgotten in the Waiting
Seasons of waiting can feel endless and discouraging, but God is never absent or inattentive. He is working in, through, and around us, even when we don’t see immediate results. Trusting God in the waiting is an act of faith, believing that He is preparing us for what’s next and that His promises never fail. [13:54]
- Be Faithful Where You Are, Not Just Where You Want to Be
It’s easy to focus on future goals or long for a different season, but God calls us to faithfulness in the present. Like farmers preparing in the off-season, our current obedience and preparation matter for what God will do in the future. Every season has purpose, and God is with us in each one, inviting us to trust and serve Him right where we are. [19:23]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - The Process of Growth and Waiting
[03:10] - God’s Purpose in All Things
[04:12] - When You Don’t Know What God Is Doing
[05:17] - The Disciples’ Misunderstandings
[07:25] - Hearing God’s Voice in Everyday Life
[08:09] - Recognizing and Responding to God’s Leading
[09:20] - God’s Definition of Good vs. Ours
[10:32] - Stepping Out in Faith Like Peter
[11:26] - Trusting God Beyond Comfort
[12:53] - Trusting God When You Can’t See
[13:54] - Not Forgotten in the Waiting
[15:44] - Everyday Trust and Faith
[17:32] - God’s Faithfulness in the Waiting
[18:19] - Faithfulness in the Present
[19:23] - Seasons of Preparation
[20:52] - God’s Presence in Every Season
[21:48] - Simple Steps of Obedience
[23:03] - Waiting with Anticipation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
> And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
- Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
> Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28-30, what is God’s purpose for those who love Him? How does Paul describe the process God uses to shape us?
2. In the sermon, what example did the pastor use to illustrate the process of growth and waiting in the Christian life? ([01:47])
3. What does Galatians 6:9 encourage believers to do, especially during seasons of waiting or difficulty?
4. How did the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ mission, according to the sermon? ([05:17])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that God’s definition of “good” is often different from ours. In what ways might God’s “good” challenge our comfort or expectations? ([09:20])
2. Why do you think God sometimes calls us to step out of our comfort zones, like Peter stepping out of the boat? What does this teach us about faith? ([10:32])
3. The pastor mentioned that God speaks in many ways, not just through an audible voice. How can someone learn to recognize God’s voice in their daily life? ([08:09])
4. What does it mean to be faithful where you are, not just where you want to be? How does this relate to the farmer’s example in the sermon? ([19:23])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared that sometimes we feel like we’re just “going through the motions” and not seeing spiritual growth. Can you think of a time when you felt stuck or like God was silent? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? ([01:47])
2. God’s “good” may not always feel comfortable or easy. Is there an area in your life where God might be calling you out of your comfort zone? What is one step of faith you could take this week? ([09:20])
3. The sermon talked about listening for God’s voice in everyday life. What are some practical ways you can become more attentive to God’s leading this week? ([08:09])
4. Waiting can feel discouraging and endless. Is there something you have been praying or waiting for a long time? How can you trust that God is still at work, even if you don’t see results yet? ([13:54])
5. The farmer prepares his equipment in the off-season, trusting that a harvest will come. What does “preparing in the off-season” look like in your spiritual life right now? ([19:23])
6. The pastor suggested that faithfulness in the present could be as simple as reaching out to a neighbor or serving quietly. What is one small act of faithfulness you can do this week, right where you are? ([21:48])
7. The sermon ended with the idea of waiting with anticipation, like waiting for a cake to finish baking. How can you shift your mindset from anxious waiting to hopeful anticipation in your current season? ([23:03])
---
Devotional
Day 1: God Works All Things for Good According to His Purpose
Even when life feels confusing or stagnant, God is actively working in every circumstance for the good of those who love Him. This does not mean that everything will be easy or comfortable, but rather that God’s sovereign hand is guiding the process, shaping us according to His purpose even when we cannot see the outcome. Trusting in this truth allows us to persevere through seasons of waiting, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding in ways we may not yet understand. [03:10]
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel stuck or confused right now, and how can you choose to trust that God is working for your good in that area today?
Day 2: Listening to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
God has not left His children alone; the Holy Spirit is present to comfort, counsel, and guide us, often speaking through circumstances, people, or even the quiet nudges in our hearts. Learning to recognize His voice comes from relationship and familiarity, just as we know the voices of those we love. As you seek to listen, be open to the many ways God may be trying to get your attention, and trust that He desires to lead you into what is best. [08:09]
John 14:16-17 (ESV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can quiet your heart today to better listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your decisions or relationships?
Day 3: God’s Definition of Good Often Differs from Ours
Our idea of “good” is often shaped by comfort, ease, or personal preference, but God’s definition of good may call us out of our comfort zones and into acts of faith and obedience. Sometimes, this means stepping into situations that don’t make sense to us or loving people who are difficult, trusting that God’s purposes are higher than our own. When we align our hearts with God’s vision of good, we become willing to take risks for His sake, knowing He is with us every step. [10:32]
Matthew 14:28-29 (ESV)
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
Reflection: What is one area where God might be inviting you to step out of your comfort zone this week, and how can you respond in faith?
Day 4: You Are Not Forgotten in the Waiting
Seasons of waiting can feel endless and discouraging, leading us to wonder if God has forgotten us or our prayers. Yet, God is always at work, even in the silence, shaping our character and preparing us for what is to come. Just as we trust professionals in everyday life, we are called to trust God—who has never broken a promise—knowing that He is working in, through, and around us, even when we cannot see immediate results. [15:44]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Reflection: Who or what have you been praying for over a long period? How can you renew your trust in God’s faithfulness as you continue to wait?
Day 5: Stay Faithful in Your Current Season
Whatever season of life you are in—whether it feels like winter, spring, summer, or fall—God calls you to be faithful right where you are, not just where you hope to be in the future. Like a farmer preparing equipment in the off-season, your faithfulness in the present prepares you for what God has ahead. Small acts of obedience and love, even in the ordinary, reflect the love of Christ and open doors for God to work through you in ways you may not expect. [20:52]
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Reflection: What is one small, faithful action you can take today to serve God or others in your current season of life?
Quotes
Finally, He said, I will leave you, but I will not leave you abandoned. I will not leave you alone. I will give you who. the holy spirit he will be your comforter he will be your counselor he will be your guide and he will be with you always until the end of times so we know that we have now the holy spirit living inside of us. [00:05:57] (20 seconds)
God's spirit is with us since the very beginning. We should know his voice, shouldn't we? When God says, do this, don't do that. Stop this relationship. Stop this business. Interact with this person or that person. We must know that God is in the business of molding us. [00:08:05] (25 seconds)
How would your life look like if you decided to leave the boat? How would your life look like if you said, you know what, I don't care if naturally this doesn't make sense, but I want to step out and trust Jesus. [00:12:10] (19 seconds)
How much do we actually trust God? Who sometimes we can't see? Who sometimes in a moment like this, we are left as we are almost abandoned and we don't see the end result. [00:12:53] (20 seconds)
Now, when it comes to God, shouldn't we trust God first and foremost, who has never broken a promise? Man break promises all the time. God never has. [00:17:21] (18 seconds)
In our Christian life, we have seasons too, don't we? Some of you are in winter season, some of you are in spring, some of you are in summer, and some of you are in fall. Whatever season it is, know this, that God is with you. He's right alongside you. [00:20:41] (20 seconds)
Not that our good works are going to take us anywhere or lead us anywhere, but those are the reflection of a loving God who gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for all of our sins, paid for them in full at the cross, died and resurrected on the third day so that you and I can be accepted by God. [00:22:20] (19 seconds)
That is the fundament, the basic of Christianity, the basic of the gospel, and that is we have a God who loves us and who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all of our sins. And when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, when we repent of our sins and have faith in Him, we will know that what He has done, He's done forever. [00:22:39] (22 seconds)
Let us enjoy the season, kind of like when you throw everything in the oven and you're waiting for the cake to come out. You're waiting with anticipation, right? You know it's going to be good once it's out, once it's cooled down. It's going to be a delight to eat. But let us wait with anticipation of what God has in store for us. [00:23:03] (26 seconds)
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