In the debut post of our new series, I will address questions from our Faithful Femme Noir community. I am thrilled to explore real-life challenges through the lens of scripture with you. While I share my perspective, I recommend seeking advice from your local pastor and trusted friends for additional wisdom on your faith journey.

Today’s question is a common struggle that many of us face:

“When your prayers seem to be unanswered for a long time, what should you do?”

Girl, I feel you. We’ve all been in that waiting room of life, wondering if God is going to show up before we lose all patience! But let me reassure you, just because there’s a delay doesn’t mean God has forgotten. He hears you. He’s with you. And He’s always working, even when you can’t see it.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about waiting on the Lord.

1. Trust God’s Timing, Not Your Own

I know it’s tough when things aren’t happening on your timeline, but remember this: God’s timing is perfect. The Word says in Habakkuk 2:3, “For still the vision awaits its appointed time… If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come.”

God sees the whole picture when we can only see a piece. Sometimes He’s aligning people and circumstances behind the scenes in ways we’ll never fully understand. Don’t mistake the silence for absence. He’s working it all out for your good (Romans 8:28). Trust that when the time is right, God will deliver, and it’ll be more than you even asked for.

2. Stay Persistent in Prayer

I know it’s tempting to stop praying when you’re not seeing results. But keep going, Sis! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing.” Even when it feels like your words are bouncing off the walls, they are reaching God’s ears. He’s listening.

Remember the persistent widow in Luke 18? She kept going back to the judge until he gave her justice. Jesus tells us to be like that—persistent, unwavering, and full of faith. Keep knocking on the door because God is faithful to answer (Matthew 7:7).

3. Grow While You Wait

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31)

Sis, waiting isn’t just about passing time—it’s about what God is doing in you while you wait. The waiting room is God’s classroom. He’s using this time to build your character, strengthen your faith, and prepare you for the blessing ahead. Just like clay being molded by the potter (Jeremiah 18:6), God is shaping you into something beautiful.

So instead of asking, “Why is this taking so long?” ask, “What is God teaching me in this season?” Lean into the growth. You’re being refined for something greater.

4. Remember God’s Faithfulness

When you start feeling discouraged, look back at the times God has already come through for you. Reflect on His faithfulness. The Bible says, The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness” (2 Peter 3:9). What feels like a delay to us is actually God moving at the perfect pace for His plan.

He’s never failed you before, and He won’t start now. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that truth when the enemy tries to fill our hearts with doubt.

5. Shift Your Focus to God Himself

This one’s big: Sometimes we get so focused on the answer that we forget the Answerer. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

Worship Him while you wait. Praise Him even before the breakthrough. Use this time to draw closer to God, not just for what He can give, but for who He is. Let your heart rest in His presence, knowing He’s got you, even when the answers are still on the way.

In Conclusion: Hold On!

I know waiting can be hard, but don’t lose heart. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness. He hears every prayer, even the ones you think are going unanswered. Remember, He is always on time.

And if you have any questions or need encouragement, send your questions my way! You can email me at hello@faithfulfemmenoir.com and I’ll do my best to respond in a future post. Remember, we’re in this together—lean on your sisters, your pastor, and your community of faith for support. We’re all learning and growing, and God is with us every step of the way.

Stay encouraged, and keep the faith!