Faith Over Frustration: Holding On When Dreams Are Delayed

Waiting. It’s one of the hardest things we’ll ever do—especially when we believe God gave us a promise, a dream, or a glimpse of our purpose. We pray, we plan, we hustle... and then we wait. But what if the waiting isn’t a delay—what if it’s part of the design?

In this Sunday Source episode, Jen Smith beautifully unpacks the idea that God gives us one moment at a time—not the full script. We want to know how it ends, but God is more interested in who we’re becoming along the way.

The Truth About Waiting

We live in a culture of instant everything—quick results, rapid success, fast answers. And when life doesn’t deliver that pace, we assume something’s wrong. But God doesn’t work like culture. He’s not rushing. He’s refining.

And waiting isn’t punishment. It’s preparation.

Using the story of Joseph—a man betrayed, enslaved, imprisoned, and ultimately elevated—Jen reminds us that God’s plan is often wild, winding, and very unlike our own. Joseph had every reason to give up when his life took one painful turn after another. But instead, he remained faithful, even in the dark.

And that’s where the real power is—faith that lasts through the detours.

What to Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Here are 3 powerful truths Jen shares to help you stay faithful in the waiting:

1. Remain Faithful to a Faithful God
   Life will get messy. Plans will fall apart. People will hurt you. But God’s promises are unwavering. You don’t need to understand everything to trust that He’s working.
2. God Is Writing a Bigger Story
   Joseph couldn’t see the palace from the prison, but God could. Your current scene doesn’t define your story. Sometimes the things you’re begging God to remove are actually the things He’s using to shape you.
3. Your Faithfulness Impacts Generations
   The way you trust, serve, and forgive today leaves a legacy. You might not see the fruit yet, but the seeds you plant in obedience will grow. Just like Joseph’s faith saved nations, your faith is making a difference.

You Don’t Need the Whole Picture—You Just Need to Trust the Author

The hardest part about waiting is the not knowing. But if God’s holding the pen, you can let go of the fear. You can rest. You can show up, obey, and trust that the ending is already written—and it’s good.

As Jen says, “God sees the whole puzzle. You only see the pieces.”

So the next time you’re in a waiting season, remember: your job isn’t to force the outcome. Your job is to stay faithful.