“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
There’s a particular ache that comes with waiting—the ache of uncertainty, of not knowing when or how God will move. For foster and adoptive families, waiting often becomes a familiar rhythm. Waiting for court dates. Waiting for reunification decisions. Waiting for healing in a child’s heart. Waiting to be chosen. Waiting to bring them home. And yet, amid the unknown, we are reminded of this unchanging truth: God’s timing is always perfect.
A Story from the Waiting Room
Melissa and her husband had been licensed foster parents for nearly two years. They opened their home and hearts, longing to adopt, but each placement ended in reunification. While she understood the importance of reunifying children with birth families, each goodbye left another crack in her heart. Then came Ellie—a quiet three-year-old girl with big brown eyes and a heartbreaking history.
Weeks turned into months, and Melissa dared to hope again. She felt God stirring something deeper in her spirit this time. But the case dragged on—delays, changed court dates, confusion. Melissa cried out in prayer one night, “Lord, what are You doing? Why the delay? We’re ready now!”
In the stillness of her frustration, the Lord whispered a gentle assurance to her soul: “I’m not just preparing you—I’m preparing her. Trust Me.”
Two years later, Ellie became their forever daughter. And when Melissa looks back, she sees it clearly now. Those “delays” were divine. God was healing Ellie’s heart, equipping Melissa and her husband for the unique needs Ellie would bring, and aligning everything in His perfect time.
Biblical Reflection: When God Seems Slow
We’re not the first to wrestle with divine delays. In John 11, we read of Mary and Martha, who urgently sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. But instead of rushing to heal him, Jesus waited.
“So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” (John 11:6)
Two. More. Days. And in those days, Lazarus died. From the sisters’ perspective, Jesus was late. But in heaven’s timing, He was right on schedule.
Jesus wasn’t dismissing their pain; He was orchestrating a greater glory. He would raise Lazarus from the dead—not just heal a sick man, but showcase resurrection power. His delay had purpose.
In our foster and adoption journeys, we often stand at the tomb of our expectations, asking God why He hasn’t shown up yet. But behind every delay is a divine design. He’s writing a story far greater than we imagined—one that glorifies Him and transforms us.
The Unseen Work in the Waiting
God’s timing isn’t just about the destination; it’s about what He’s doing in us while we wait. In foster care and adoption, God often uses the waiting seasons to:
- Deepen our faith – Trust grows in the soil of uncertainty.
- Refine our character – Patience, endurance, and compassion take root.
- Prepare us for the child’s needs – Each child’s healing journey is unique.
- Align the right people and resources – God moves hearts and systems behind the scenes.
- Heal the child’s heart – Trauma recovery takes time, and God gently restores what was broken.
While we may feel stuck, God is not idle. He is working—layer by layer, moment by moment—crafting a story of redemption.
A Step of Faith: What to Do While You Wait
Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. Here are three practical ways to walk in faith while trusting God’s perfect timing:
- Worship While You Wait
Praise shifts your perspective. Play worship music in your home, sing over your child, or simply whisper thanks for what God will do—even before it happens. - Write Down God’s Promises
Keep a journal of scriptures, dreams, and moments where you’ve seen God’s hand. When doubt creeps in, read them aloud and remind yourself that He is faithful. - Pray Boldly and Specifically
Don’t be afraid to ask for what your heart longs for. God is not distant—He delights in hearing from you. Pray over court cases, caseworkers, your child’s birth family, and your own heart.
Remember, waiting on God is never wasted time. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Waiting becomes a place of renewal when we wait with God, not just for Him.
A Word for the Weary
If you’re feeling weary today, burdened by an endless timeline, or discouraged by another closed door—know this: you are not alone. God sees every tear, hears every prayer, and knows the desires of your heart. His timing may not match yours, but His plan is always better, always kinder, always rooted in eternal love.
He is the Author of your story, the Defender of the orphan, and the Sustainer of your soul. His hands are trustworthy, and His heart is for you.
Just as seeds planted take time to bloom, the seeds of your faith and obedience are not in vain. In time, you will see the harvest. In time, the pieces will come together. In time, healing will flow.
Because God’s timing is perfect.
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for being a God who sees, who hears, and who cares. In every moment of waiting, help us to rest in Your timing and trust in Your heart. Strengthen every foster and adoptive family walking through uncertain seasons. Let Your peace guard their hearts, and may Your promises carry them through. You are never late, and You never fail. We place our children, our cases, and our concerns in Your sovereign hands. We believe that You are working—even when we can’t see it. Let faith arise, hope be restored, and Your perfect will be done.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You are not forgotten. You are not behind. You are right on time for God’s plan. Trust Him—His timing is perfect.