Trusting the Promise Keeper (Even When the Wait is Long and the Way is Hard)

July 2nd, 2025
by Open Arms CLT

What do you do when God gives you a promise, but it feels like He ghosted you? You heard Him clearly, you stepped out in faith—and now you're staring at your circumstances like, “Umm, Lord... you still there?”

In Part 4 of our Problems vs. Promises series, Davida Rivens served up a timely, Spirit-filled word that hit straight in the soul. If you've ever felt discouraged waiting on God's promises or questioned His presence in the middle of your problems—this one's for you.

What If the Problem Is the Path?

You know that verse in Psalms that says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly” (Psalm 37:23)? Yeah. We love that one—until those “steps” start looking more like detours, dead ends, or delays.

Davida reminded us that the promise isn’t cancelled just because the process is uncomfortable. In fact, the process IS part of the promise.

Sometimes God says "wait" because He’s doing heart work in hidden places.

"Sometimes it’s not about getting to the promise, it’s about what God is doing in the middle.” —Davida Rivens

Real Talk: It’s Okay to Be Frustrated

Let’s normalize this: You can love God and still feel frustrated in the wait. You can be obedient and still be confused. You can be faithful and still cry out, “Why isn’t it happening yet?”

That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

But here’s the thing—God isn’t put off by your honesty. He already knows your heart. So bring your whole self to Him. Ugly cries, journal pages full of questions, even the days you feel like giving up. He can handle it.

Truth to Anchor You When the Waiting Gets Heavy

Here are a few promises Davida highlighted that are worth writing on sticky notes or adding to your phone background:

“For we are God’s masterpiece…” —Ephesians 2:10
“I am here to help you.” —Isaiah 41:13
“He gave the right to become children of God.” —John 1:12

Translation: You are seen. You are chosen. You are held.

God’s promises don’t expire.”

How to Actually Trust the Promise Keeper

Let’s break it down. Trusting God in theory is one thing. But how do you actually trust Him in real life when things don’t make sense?

Here are a few truths to hold tight to:

God doesn’t forget.
What He spoke over you wasn’t a suggestion. It was a promise.
God doesn’t rush.
He’s never late, but He’s rarely early either (we know, we know).
God doesn’t waste.
The in-between? The waiting room? It’s doing more than you think.
So no, you're not crazy. You're not forgotten. And you're definitely not alone.

Let's Talk About It

What’s something God promised you that feels far off right now?

What’s a way you can choose to trust Him this week—even when your feelings say otherwise?

We’d love to hear your story. Comment below, tag us @OpenArmsCLT, or send us a DM.

You’re not the only one walking through it—and that’s the whole point of community.