Is there a need you have been praying about for a LONG time? Maybe there are days you feel as if you may not receive the answer any day soon. Perhaps all of the waiting is choking any hope you have left.

I think that’s what my husband may have felt like in the early years of marriage. Our wedding day was beautiful. The honeymoon was great. And then, we began life together … let’s just say it didn’t look the happily ever after I expected. As much as I hate to admit it, the truth is that it had a lot to do with how I communicated with my husband.

When we weren’t seeing eye to eye, the miscommunication would begin with the assumption that his words meant to hurt me due to my own insecurities. Then, I would make sarcastic comments and raise my voice louder and louder to be sure I was heard until I had the last word. Finally, I would walk away and shut down emotionally. Dreamy, right? Let’s just say this wasn’t working for my husband but I didn’t think it was a problem, so I didn’t change.

My husband began to pray and wait and pray and wait .. you get the idea. Months of such eventually became years. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel grew more difficult and almost felt impossible .. until one day. As I was talking to folks possessing wise counsel, it was evident I had been struggling with bitterness and unforgiveness. The time had come for me to LET GO AND LET GOD. I did and my communication in our marriage has improved drastically since with God’s help and grace. Boy, am I grateful that my husband kept praying and had faith, even though the waiting seemed like an eternity.

I’m reminded of the woman with the issue of blood found in the Gospels (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48). We read that she had been bleeding for 12 years, suffered a great deal, and progressively grew worse. How awful! After all those years, seeing doctor after doctor, and spending lots of money, who would blame this woman if she gave up believing that she would be healed? But that’s not her story. Mark 5:27-28 says, “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” This woman had faith and Jesus said it was her faith that healed her and freed her from all of that suffering!!!

I don’t know what you’ve been praying for: to meet the right person to marry, for the wayward spouse to come to their senses, for the sick child to be healed, or for a financial breakthrough. Whatever your need is, I understand that after a while of waiting you may lose faith and hope. I realize that day after day of not seeing a change in your struggle is wearisome, but “Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22). God loves you my dear Friend. He sees your tears and He hears your cries.

My husband’s prayers were not in vain and I am so thankful he didn’t allow weariness to give up in the waiting.

~Joyce