When Waiting Goes Wrong
A 6-Day Devotional based on Genesis 16–17
Theme: Even when we try to take control, God’s covenant grace calls us back to trust, transformation, and total surrender.
Day 1: Recap & Emotional/Spiritual Connection
Scripture: Genesis 16:1-2
Devotional Thought:
Have you ever felt like God was taking too long? Sarai did. In her desperation, she gave Hagar to Abram, trying to speed up what God had promised. Her actions weren’t rooted in rebellion but in frustration. Waiting can make us anxious, restless, even hopeless. Yet, even when we get ahead of God, His grace doesn’t give up on us. This story is about more than a mistake—it's about a God who patiently redirects His people back to trust. Your detour isn’t the end. God can still finish what He started in you.
Reflection Questions:
What is something you’ve been waiting on God to do?
Have you ever made a decision out of impatience? What did you learn from it?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me to trust You even when it seems like You are taking too long. Teach me to wait in faith.
Action Step:
Write a letter to God expressing your fears, frustrations, and hopes in this season of waiting.
Day 2: Biblical Depth or Background
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-2
Devotional Thought:
Thirteen years passed between the end of Genesis 16 and the start of Genesis 17. That silence must’ve felt unbearable. But then God shows up—not with rebuke—but with renewal. He reminds Abram of the covenant and calls him to walk in faith. This passage reminds us that God’s delays are not His denials. He operates on a timeline shaped by eternity. Circumcision was introduced as a sign of that covenant—a physical reminder that they were set apart for a divine promise. In Christ, we carry the mark of grace—not on our bodies, but in our hearts.
Reflection Questions:
How do you typically respond to seasons of silence from God?
What does it mean to you that God’s covenant is based on His grace, not your perfection?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, thank You for being faithful even when I am impatient. Help me see the bigger picture of Your promises.
Action Step:
Spend 10 minutes today reading Romans 4 and reflecting on how Abraham’s faith applies to your own journey.
Day 3: Heart-Level Reflection
Scripture: Genesis 17:17-18
Devotional Thought:
When Abram hears that he will have a child at nearly 100 years old, he laughs. Not out of joy, but disbelief. Have you ever heard a promise from God and thought, “That’s impossible”? Our hearts often wrestle with doubt, especially when our circumstances contradict the promise. But God meets us in our unbelief with gentle assurance. He’s not offended by our honesty—He’s ready to prove Himself faithful.
Reflection Questions:
What promise from God feels ‘too good to be true’ in your life?
Where is doubt creeping into your faith journey?
Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, help my unbelief. I want to trust You fully, even when I don’t understand how it will happen.
Action Step:
Journal about a time when God came through for you after a long wait. Let that testimony encourage your present.
Day 4: Personal Application
Scripture: Genesis 17:9-11
Devotional Thought:
God instructed Abraham to be circumcised as a sign of commitment. Today, He calls us to a circumcision of the heart—a life marked by obedience and devotion. True surrender isn’t a one-time prayer—it’s a daily decision to walk with God. It means cutting away anything that competes with His place in our lives. This level of commitment may be uncomfortable, but it's the foundation for living a life set apart.
Reflection Questions:
What area of your life needs to be fully surrendered to God?
Is there anything you need to ‘cut away’ to walk more closely with Him?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, I give You my whole heart. Help me to surrender completely to Your will and walk in obedience.
Action Step:
Fast from one distraction or comfort today as a symbol of your commitment to God's plan.
Day 5: Community or Outward Focus
Scripture: Genesis 16:13
Devotional Thought:
After being mistreated, Hagar fled into the wilderness—and God met her there. He saw her, called her by name, and gave her hope. She called Him ‘El Roi’—the God who sees me. How powerful is it to know that God sees those who feel forgotten? We are called to be that kind of presence to others—seeing, listening, caring. You might be someone’s only reminder that they are not alone or invisible.
Reflection Questions:
Who in your life might feel unseen or overlooked right now?
How can you reflect God's care and presence to them this week?
Prayer Prompt:
God, help me be a vessel of Your compassion. Open my eyes to those who need to be seen today.
Action Step:
Reach out to someone who may be struggling. Offer encouragement, prayer, or simply let them know they’re not alone.
Day 6: Faith-in-Action Challenge
Scripture: Hebrews 11:11
Devotional Thought:
By faith, even Sarah believed she would have a child—not because of her strength, but because of God’s faithfulness. Faith isn’t about how strong we are—it’s about how trustworthy He is. God uses people with doubts, flaws, and delays. But when we move in faith, mountains move too. This week, step out. Pray the bold prayer. Take the hard step. Trust the God who keeps every promise.
Reflection Questions:
What step of faith have you been avoiding because of fear or doubt?
What’s one area where God is calling you to move in faith?
Prayer Prompt:
God, I trust You. Give me the courage to act boldly in faith and obey Your leading.
Action Step:
Take one bold step today—make the call, apply, apologize, give, serve—whatever God’s been prompting you to do.