A few days from now, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2023, Americans spent $25.9 billion on this day alone. In 2024, the total was about $25.8 billion; in 2025, the spending is expected to be a record $27.5 billion.
You would think that’s enough celebrating to make everybody in America happy and in love! However, for those who are still waiting for their special someone, hundreds of dollars more are spent on dating apps in the hopes of finding their valentine. They might agree with the great philosopher Charlie Brown, who said, “They’ve even invented a holiday called Valentine’s Day to remind me of my loneliness!”
Have you ever found yourself waiting for something you deeply desire and feeling as though the wait would never end? It’s like being 10 years old, waiting for Christmas —each day feels like a week. For many, waiting for their Mr. or Mrs. “Right” can feel like an eternity.
It has been said waiting wouldn’t be so bad, if only we didn’t have to wait! I like to refer to Galatians 4:4 during Valentine’s Day season (as I did in this article) because it reminds me of God’s perfect timing, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (NIV)
Before Jesus’ first coming, the period of time between the Old and New Testaments covered some 400 years since God had last spoken to men. The people of Israel had been waiting a long time to hear from God.
The Problem with Waiting
Waiting can be one of the most challenging aspects of our faith journey. It tests our patience, stretches our faith and refines our trust in God’s timing. God sent His Son, Jesus, not a moment too late or soon, but in the fullness of time.
Just as God meticulously planned the timing of Jesus’ arrival, He has perfectly planned the timing in each of our lives — even for those who long for a mate. We may not always understand the reasons for His delays, but we can trust He sees the bigger picture. Here is the wonder of God: While we are waiting, God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and aligning circumstances according to His will.
While You Are Waiting
During these seasons of waiting, it’s essential to hold on to the promises of God. Remember His faithfulness and perfect timing. Take time to deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, worship and the study of His Word. Use this period to grow in faith, hope and love for others.
Isaiah 40:31 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.” (NIV)
If you are like me, you’ve had times when weariness has set in and you didn’t feel like waiting any longer.
Have you ever waited after sending multiple job applications, only to receive form letters which say the company has decided to go with another candidate?
Maybe you’ve prayed for healing for your medical condition or the return of a wayward child and no visible change has taken place.
You have grown weary from waiting! That’s when God often sends someone to come alongside you through the power of His Holy Spirit to provide just enough encouragement for you to endure a little while longer!
And here is what’s amazing — if you trust Him, He is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)
Remember This
If you trust God during your waiting season, His Word promises, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV) You may need faith to trust Him as you wait. You may also need patience to continue holding on to Him during the wait.
Amazingly, God knows your needs and is working out your desire for a mate. Regardless of what the wait happens to be for you — even if He has chosen to allow your singleness, or whatever your concern may be, to last a little longer — He is able to sustain you, strengthen your faith and give you patience while He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28)!
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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