Waiting with Faith

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.”

Hebrews 6:10

I had always imagined my life unfolding in a certain way—falling in love, getting married, and becoming a mom. But in my early twenties, none of that was happening. Friends were catching bouquets and posting baby pictures, while I was still buried in textbooks and finishing my degree.

I remember asking the Lord for help in my frustration. He placed it on my heart to serve others in the very areas I was longing for. He encouraged me to start celebrating others even when they were getting what I wanted. I did not love the answer at first, but I knew He was right.

So, I started showing up. I went to baby showers, helped throw engagement parties, and celebrated all the beautiful things happening in other’s lives.

I even remember a Valentine’s Day where two dear friends wanted to surprise their fiancés and needed help pulling off the perfect romantic evening. I volunteered to make their vision a reality.

For hours, I set the table, fluffed pillows, and added every thoughtful touch I could think of. At the end of the night, as I packed up the decorations, I prayed one more time: “Lord, next year, I would love to be loved by someone in the same way.”

That night, God reminded me: faith is not always about getting what we want when we want it. It is about trusting His heart, even when the wait feels endless.

But I have got to brag on God a little bit. Just a year later, there I was, not planning the perfect night, but living it. I found myself sitting at a candle lit dinner across from Chris, the man I had prayed for, who would soon become my husband.

This is what I want you to take away: Faith, at its core, works through love.

So, this Valentine’s Day, can I encourage you? It can be hard to celebrate others when things aren’t happening the way we hoped. But sometimes, delay is simply space for you to grow in love—and that will always prepare you for something even better down the road.