Abraham and His 25 Year Long Wait: Trusting God’s Timing in a Season of Delay
Have you ever waited and waited for something you felt God had promised you? Maybe it’s a job, a relationship, a healing, or a breakthrough that still hasn’t come. If so, you’re in good company—Abraham walked that road long before us.
In fact, Abraham waited 25 years from the time God promised him a son to the day Isaac was finally born. That’s a quarter of a century of believing, wondering, and sometimes doubting. His story—found in the book of Genesis—offers powerful lessons about faith, patience, and trusting God’s perfect timing.
God’s Promise Came Early—But the Fulfillment Took Time
In Genesis 12:2, God tells Abraham (then Abram):
“And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.” (NASB)
Abraham was 75 years old when he received this promise. He was already past the age most people think about starting a family. Yet, God made it clear—Abraham would have descendants.
Fast forward to Genesis 21:5:
“Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.” (NASB)
That’s 25 years of silence, confusion, and “Is this ever going to happen?” moments.
What Did Abraham Do During the Waiting?
Abraham didn’t sit still the entire time. He obeyed God, traveled to new lands, built altars, and—yes—he made mistakes too. At one point, Sarah suggested a shortcut: having a child through her servant, Hagar. That decision led to Ishmael, and with him came tension and heartbreak (Genesis 16).
But even with his missteps, Abraham kept returning to God. He kept believing, even when his faith was shaky.
In Romans 4:20–21, Paul writes:
“Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was also able to perform.” (NASB)
What We Learn from Abraham’s Long Wait
1. God’s Timing Is Not Our Timing
It’s tempting to think a delay means a denial. But Abraham’s life proves otherwise. God often works on divine timelines that we can’t see or fully understand.
Application: When you feel like giving up, remind yourself that waiting doesn’t mean God has forgotten you. His timing is perfect, even if it feels slow.
2. Faith Is Built in the Waiting Room
Waiting strengthens spiritual muscles. Abraham’s faith grew because he learned to trust in the unseen. That kind of faith develops in the quiet seasons, not just the exciting ones.
Application: Use seasons of delay to deepen your relationship with God. Pray. Journal. Reflect. Grow.
3. God Is Faithful—Even When We Waver
Abraham made mistakes, but God’s promise still stood. That’s encouraging for us today. You don’t need to be perfect to see God’s promises fulfilled.
Application: Don’t let past failures convince you God is done with your story. He is still working, even in your detours.
What’s Your Isaac?
Maybe you’re still waiting on your “Isaac.” Maybe the promise God placed in your heart feels distant, or even impossible. But just as God came through for Abraham, He can come through for you too.
Waiting is hard. But it’s also holy. Abraham’s story teaches us that faith and patience go hand-in-hand, and that God’s promises are worth the wait.
Are You Still Waiting?
If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. Abraham waited 25 years, and his story is still inspiring believers thousands of years later. Yours might too.
So keep believing. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Because the same God who kept His word to Abraham is still faithful today.
In Christ,
Bob