How Do I Trust God When I’m Waiting for an Answered Prayer?

Sometimes God stops us right in the middle of an ordinary moment and gently reminds us:
This… this right here is what you once prayed for.

I had one of those moments this past weekend, and I want to share it with you - especially if you’re in a season that feels heavy, uncertain, or painfully unfinished.

My Story: When God Showed Me I Was Already Standing in an Answered Prayer

We were doing something so simple, our yearly tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree. Just me and my adult kids, joking around, walking through the rows of trees, trying to agree on the “perfect” one.

Later that evening, as Christmas music played softly through the house, something unexpected happened.

My son and his girlfriend were in the kitchen cooking together, laughing. My other son and I were wrapping lights around the tree - something we’ve done before, but this time it felt different.

In that cozy, ordinary moment…
I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me so deeply it stopped me in my tracks.

Because there was a time, not even that long ago, when a peaceful night like this felt completely out of reach.

There were years filled with trauma, chaos, fear, and uncertainty.
Years of rebuilding a life after escaping my abusive marriage.
Years of trying to shield my kids from the fallout while my ex continued to try to destroy everything I was trying to rebuild.

Back then, peace felt like a dream.

A warm home, laughter in the kitchen, Christmas lights glowing…
those were prayers whispered through tears.

And this weekend, standing there with my children, God gently reminded me:

You’re living in it. This is the prayer you thought might never come.

When You're Still in the Storm

If you’re reading this from the messy middle of your own struggle - wondering where God is, or why He hasn’t answered yet - please hear my heart:

I have asked those same questions.
I have felt abandoned.
I have felt forgotten.
I have felt unsure if things would ever get better.

But standing in that peaceful moment with my kids reminded me of something so important:

We often don’t recognize God’s answers until we’re on the other side of the storm.

Healing takes time.
Restoration takes time.
Answered prayers often grow slowly, quietly, and in ways we don’t expect.

But God never forgets.

Biblical Encouragement: God Hears What You Think He Doesn’t

One verse that carried me through the hardest seasons is:

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 

He inclined.
He leaned in.
He heard every prayer - even the ones that sounded more like broken whispers.

He hears yours too.

Practical Ways to Trust God While You Wait

Here are a few things that genuinely helped me hold on when life felt heavy:

1. Keep a simple journal of prayers and blessings

When you go back months later and see what God has done, it strengthens your faith for what He’s still working on.

2. Pay attention to the small moments

Sometimes God speaks through a peaceful evening, a conversation, or a small moment of joy - just like He did for me.

3. Use Scripture as your anchor

Even when your emotions are tired, God’s Word is steady.
Try repeating: “God is working all things for my good.” (Romans 8:28)

4. Release the timeline

God isn’t slow.
He’s intentional.
And your blessing is not behind schedule.

5. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Healing rarely comes all at once. Little steps forward count ... and they matter.

If You’re in a Hard Season Right Now…

Please don’t give up.
You might not see it yet, but God is shaping your story in ways that will bring healing, beauty, and purpose.

And one day (maybe in the middle of a simple, quiet moment),  you’ll look around and realize:

“I’m standing in the very thing I prayed for.”

God is writing your testimony even now.
Your answered prayers are already in motion.

Hold on, sweet friend.
Light is coming.