Sometimes, in the middle of our longest and hardest seasons, we need a reminder that the story isn’t over. The conversation below is for anyone who has grown weary of waiting — who has prayed, believed, and held on, only to find themselves running low on hope. It’s a reminder that the silence you’ve been sitting in was never emptiness. Something has been happening beneath the surface all along. Read this slowly, and let it find the part of you that needed to hear it most.

God: I need to tell you about how good it’s about to get for you.

You: What do you mean?

The waiting wasn’t wasted, it was working in you what you’ll need to sustain what I’m bringing.

– Jacqueline Whitney

God: You’ve been in survival mode for so long that you forgot what it feels like to actually thrive. You’ve been waiting, trusting, holding on when it felt impossible. And you’re so close to seeing why.

You: I’m tired of hearing “soon.”

God: I know. But this time it’s different. The doors I’ve been holding closed are about to open. The prayers you stopped praying because you got tired of asking — I’m about to answer them. The breakthrough you’ve been hoping for is closer than you think.

You: How do you know I’m ready?

God: Because I’ve been preparing you. The waiting wasn’t wasted, it was working in you what you’ll need to sustain what I’m bringing. You’re not the same person who started this season. You’re stronger.

You: So what now?

God: Now you trust me. And you get ready. Because what’s coming is going to be better than anything you’ve been imagining. I told you I was going to surprise you with how good it gets. Pay attention. It’s starting.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.