Have you ever earnestly prayed for something, and God didn’t seem to be in any rush to answer your prayer? I have, and for me, it was a decade-long prayer for a husband and family.

When Jesus stopped me in my tracks and transformed my life, I was in a relationship with a man who wasn’t a believer. It quickly became evident that this relationship wouldn’t be part of my new life in Christ. I struggled with ending the relationship but ultimately obeyed God’s direction. I naively assumed that God would reward my obedience by sending my future husband to me quickly.

He did not. I was heartbroken.

I spent 10 years praying for my husband. I knew in my heart that I would be a wife and mom one day; I was frustrated that God didn’t seem to be in any rush to make that happen.

It was a lonely and challenging season yet fulfilling and edifying. God healed my brokenness by showing me His relentless and all-consuming love. He revealed Himself to me in ways that helped me see that I had nothing to be heartbroken over. I could rely on Him for my every need. He healed the lie in my heart that told me a person could fill the void that only God can fill. He showed me again and again what perfect love looks like with His great love for me (see 1 John 4:17-19).

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

Ten years later, I met the man I now call my husband, and he brought his beautiful, energetic son into our relationship—granting me the privilege and honor of being his stepmom. God answered my prayers ten-fold. I could never have imagined this life for myself, and I know that walking through the season of waiting and healing with God allows me to experience such great joy serving this beautiful family He’s given me—trying each day to reflect the love of Jesus Christ through my words and actions.

Today, I encourage you to believe that God will answer your prayers and heal the brokenness in your life. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.” (Matthew 7:7) His answer to prayer may not be as you imagine, but it will be in His perfect timing. Give yourself over to allowing God to use this waiting time to heal your heart and teach you new things about Himself.

Father, thank You for hearing our prayers. Thank You for answering our prayers in Your perfect timing. May we lay down our own agendas and trust fully in Your great plan for our lives. Heal the brokenness within our hearts and prepare us to receive Your blessings in each answered prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.