One of the most difficult things in faith is waiting. It disorients our thoughts, reveals our fears, and shows how much we can either put our trust in the promises of God or our timeframes. Throughout IntercessHER: The Power, Posture, and Purpose of a Praying Woman, Lydasia Rayanna Harris helps us to remember that we are not waiting, but with a purpose. Hardly any women in Scripture exemplify this truth better than does Sarah.

The account of Sarah educates us that it is not faith in a hurry, but submission.

Sarah’s Calling Began With a Promise

The promise by God to Sarah was apparent yet impossible. She would give birth to nations, although long since her body had since crossed the age of bearing. Years passed on without the least trace of fulfillment. Every new season perhaps enhanced her torment within as she was left with feelings of hope and disappointment.

In IntercessHER, Lydasia Rayanna Harris brings out the fact that waiting seasons normally compel women to play with what they actually believe in God. Sarah had faith in the word of God but time tested her conviction. The promise did not become weaker on account of the delay which it showed the human aspect of faith.

The tale of Sarah teaches us that the belief that God does not imply that we do not always face hardships but rather that we trust him despite our sense that we are not getting what we are promised.

When Waiting Tests Our Control

Sarah tried to make God complete his promise but in her own way as time went on. It was a decision that did not come as a result of rebellion, but out of weariness. Waiting was getting cumbersome and being in charge was more comfortable than trusting.

This scene indicates one of the main lessons in IntercessHER: a prayer becomes pressure, and faith may turn into a self-effort. When Sarah made efforts to hurry God, it brought pain and conflict though God was true to His original word. The promise was not changed due to the impatience of human beings.

Waiting is a way of showing our will to be able to control the outcomes, yet God acts in such situations to teach us more about how to rely on Him.

God’s Timing Is Never Late

Gen 21 begins with a great statement: the Lord did to Sarah as he promised. This verse is like a reminder that God does not choose a time according to biology, age, or human capability. When God fulfills his word it is always in due time.

In IntercessHER, Lydasia Rayanna Harris points out that God is not willing to send out fulfillment until there is maturity in faith. When Isaac was born, Sarah ceased to laugh at the possibility but rejoiced. The waiting had changed her.

God did not wait to disown Sarah He waited to get her ready.

Faith That Waits Still Worships

The experience of Sarah teaches us that we should not be silent in faith of the waiting. It keeps on worshiping, praying and trusting even when the answers are taking a long time. Waiting makes you strong, meek, and know still more about the faithfulness of God.

When Sarah did in fact fulfill her promise at last, she was not only fulfilling a promise but a promise that God can be trusted entirely. The waiting had made her faith more perfect so that the blessing would not supersede her reliance on God.

Her experience is a promise to all women at bay that God never keeps a woman waiting. He is always on time.

Trusting God With Your Timing

When you are waiting on a promise in modern times, the story of Sarah gives you hope. God is aware of the waiting, He hearkens to your prayers, and is true to all your words. Waiting seasons are not in vain they are sacred; as IntercessHER reminds us.

Trust God’s timing. What is being made divine is what is feeling delayed.