Seasons of Waiting: Walking by Faith when Dreams are Delayed (Howard)
We’re all waiting for something.
It might be a spouse or a baby. It might be healing or a home. Regardless of what we're waiting for, it’s easy to feel discontent when things aren’t going as planned and our dreams are delayed—especially when questions of “Why?” and “How long?” remain unanswered.
God uses seasons of waiting to teach us patience and make us more like himself. But sanctification is not the only purpose God has in mind. When we wait faithfully with unmet longings, we become a powerful picture of the bride of Christ waiting for the day when he returns and God’s kingdom reigns.
Table of Contents:
- The School of Waiting
- Waiting for a Bridegroom
- Waiting for a Child
- Waiting for Healing
- Waiting for a Home
- Waiting for a Prodigal
- Sustained While We Wait
- When the Waiting Is Over
Conclusion: What Are We Waiting For?
Author
Betsy Howard (MA, Beeson Divinity School) is an editor for the Gospel Coalition. She previously worked for Beeson Divinity School and Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and is a regular contributor to the Gospel Coalition. Betsy lives in Manhattan with her husband, Bernard.
Endorsements
“The Bible and the history of the church are full of stories of God revealing incredible dreams and rescuing men and women in dramatic settings, such as Moses, Mary, John Wesley, and Pascal. But of course, it does not always happen that way—as Hannah, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, and countless other believers through the ages can testify. In Seasons of Waiting, Betsy Childs Howard offers hope for the weary traveler wrestling with this tension. Through her own story and others, she demonstrates how to wait well upon the faithful One who knows us and loves us and has a plan and purpose for each of us—and who often surprises us with gifts of which we may have never dreamed.” - Ravi Zacharias, Founder and President, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries; author, Jesus Among Other Gods
“The thesis of this book is simple but profound: God does not leave us alone in the many ‘waiting rooms’ of life, but uses seasons of pain, absence, and longing to draw us unto himself. Deeply personal and biblically wise, this is a book every Christian should read.” - Timothy George, Founding Dean, Beeson Divinity School; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture
“We are all in a season of waiting, even in the moments when we think we have arrived. Betsy Childs Howard speaks comforting truth to our anxious hearts, especially when we worry that our waiting will never end. What are you waiting for? Get a copy of this book and ask a friend to read with you!” - Gloria Furman, pastor’s wife, Redeemer Church of Dubai; author, The Pastor's Wife and Missional Motherhood
“Betsy leads us with a gentle strength through some of the most difficult seasons of waiting and points us to Christ. This book will be a great encouragement to many. I hope you read it and draw near to your Savior who sees, loves, and cares about you in every situation.” - Jessica Thompson, author, Everyday Grace; coauthor, Give Them Grace
“No matter who you are, you’re waiting for something. Indeed, Christianity is a waiting religion as we eagerly long for the return of Christ. I don’t know a better book on the topic than this one by Betsy Childs Howard, one of my favorite writers.” - Collin Hansen, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition; author, Blind Spots