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Wait and See: Finding Peace in God's Pauses and Plans
Every woman struggles with times of waiting—for a spouse, a child, a job. In Wait and See , Wendy Pope guides readers to focus on the Person of their faith rather than the object of their wait. Pope draws on the story of King David, who was anointed king nearly twenty years before he took his throne.
This hands-on guidebook invites readers to record their own waiting discoveries. With practical suggestions and real-life stories, Pope shows readers how they can be active in the present as they hope for the future.
This hands-on guidebook invites readers to record their own waiting discoveries. With practical suggestions and real-life stories, Pope shows readers how they can be active in the present as they hope for the future.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2016
735 people are currently reading
2280 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Pope
17 books88 followersWendy Pope is the author of Trusting God for a Better Tomorrow and the Read Thru the Word online Bible studies and teachings. She speaks nationwide with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Wendy and her husband, Scott, have two children and live in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 10, 2018
This book is exactly what I needed to read to start the year off. I need to trust God and his timing. Draw closer to God in the pauses. What is God teaching me in my waiting. Don’t rush the wait. Loved this book so much. Thank you Wendy Pope for writing it
October 27, 2016
WARNING: This book is not a 'quick read'. The words are easy enough to read, but the message is worth savoring. Wait and See challenges the reader to draw closer to God, especially in a season of waiting. Wendy Pope pulls from her own experiences, the stories of others, and the life of David to help others “wait well”.
When I started to read my copy, I was interested, and I could see how others around me were 'waiting on God,' but I did not really see myself as in a season of waiting. Then I read this line in chapter 2: “My rush showed no regard for how God wanted to prepare me for what was next.” Whoa. I realized how much I had been acting in certain areas of my life without fully seeking God's will and way. Thus ended my quick and pleasant read, and my slow and steady study began. Guess what? I am in a season of waiting, too; it just looks different than everyone else's. And I'm glad to be able to challenge myself now with Wendy's thoughts and the Biblical truths she shares. Following God's Word and seeking Him is the only way to find the best path for my journey.
The chapters end with a “Digging Deeper with David” section for straightforward and relevant Bible study, and Wendy Pope encourages readers to journal about their personal and current seasons of waiting (there's even space in the back of the book for it!). I'm going to buy a copy for my pastor to keep in the church's library to lend or give to someone when they need it. If you are thinking about buying Wait and See for yourself or someone else, I recommend it! Read some other reviews, and I'm confident they'll recommend this book as well. :)
When I started to read my copy, I was interested, and I could see how others around me were 'waiting on God,' but I did not really see myself as in a season of waiting. Then I read this line in chapter 2: “My rush showed no regard for how God wanted to prepare me for what was next.” Whoa. I realized how much I had been acting in certain areas of my life without fully seeking God's will and way. Thus ended my quick and pleasant read, and my slow and steady study began. Guess what? I am in a season of waiting, too; it just looks different than everyone else's. And I'm glad to be able to challenge myself now with Wendy's thoughts and the Biblical truths she shares. Following God's Word and seeking Him is the only way to find the best path for my journey.
The chapters end with a “Digging Deeper with David” section for straightforward and relevant Bible study, and Wendy Pope encourages readers to journal about their personal and current seasons of waiting (there's even space in the back of the book for it!). I'm going to buy a copy for my pastor to keep in the church's library to lend or give to someone when they need it. If you are thinking about buying Wait and See for yourself or someone else, I recommend it! Read some other reviews, and I'm confident they'll recommend this book as well. :)
May 4, 2018
Wait and see 4⭐️
If you are waiting and angry and confused (like myself) this was a perfect reflection on how i feel as so many do and her interpretations on why we wait and what do and dont do. How our brains try and comprehend this unimaginable waiting for relief.
There are parts that really spoke to me in my waiting and others parts that just made me upset that there is no timeline for waiting. And the reason for our wait is never for sure. No matter what you do God has a plan some of us just dont know what that plan is, so waiting and more waiting occurs.
If you are waiting and angry and confused (like myself) this was a perfect reflection on how i feel as so many do and her interpretations on why we wait and what do and dont do. How our brains try and comprehend this unimaginable waiting for relief.
There are parts that really spoke to me in my waiting and others parts that just made me upset that there is no timeline for waiting. And the reason for our wait is never for sure. No matter what you do God has a plan some of us just dont know what that plan is, so waiting and more waiting occurs.
September 4, 2024
My two favorite quotes from Wait and See: Finding Peace in God's Pauses and Plans:
"Waiting is inevitable. Waiting with hope and courage is optional."
"Waiting well looks forward to the future while staying present in the present. Waiting well means I remain open to God and allow Him to move me toward the future He has planned, in His time."
Waiting is not easy but it is a fact of life. We can't choose how long the wait will be, but we can choose how we wait. I love the idea of waiting with hope and courage. In Wait and See, Wendy walks the reader through ways that you can wait well.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. There was nothing earth-shattering, nor did I feel like I got new information.
"Waiting is inevitable. Waiting with hope and courage is optional."
"Waiting well looks forward to the future while staying present in the present. Waiting well means I remain open to God and allow Him to move me toward the future He has planned, in His time."
Waiting is not easy but it is a fact of life. We can't choose how long the wait will be, but we can choose how we wait. I love the idea of waiting with hope and courage. In Wait and See, Wendy walks the reader through ways that you can wait well.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. There was nothing earth-shattering, nor did I feel like I got new information.
March 22, 2019
Wait and See was a fine nonfiction read. I listened to it in audio and it was easy to listen to. I will say, I didn't get a whole lot out of the read. It was fine, but I felt like it wasn't deep enough and I didn't learn anything new...but I still liked the book, even if it wasn't a favorite.
“Waiting well looks forward to the future while staying present in the present. Waiting well means I remain open to God and allow Him to move me toward the future He has planned, in His time.”
“Waiting well looks forward to the future while staying present in the present. Waiting well means I remain open to God and allow Him to move me toward the future He has planned, in His time.”
February 14, 2018
I saw so much of myself in this book. I'm not a patient person. God can and does use any means He chooses to get us to the person He wants us to be in Him. We need to trust Him. He does not need our help. We try and move things along on our terms and in our way. Stop! God knows what He's doing and knows what is best. For anyone waiting on God, this is a good read.
January 23, 2024
This book was very good! Gave me a whole new perspective on waiting and that God has the perfect time even if it’s not how we planned it. Waiting is actually a special season of growth to be thankful for and Wendy explains it perfectly.
September 9, 2016
Have you ever had solid plans for your life that went south rather fast? Or how about dreams that you dreamed your entire life that you could feel slip through your fingertips as you watched others live your life that you were supposed to be living? Wendy Pope knows a thing or two about that in writing one of the most life-giving books I have read called "Wait and See."
Right through the gates of this book, I was nodding my head, in a puddle of tears, and thinking Wendy I'm living that life right now! At some point or another, we have all struggled with wanting something whether immediately or yearning and waiting for the journey to unfold, but not by our own time. Sometimes, or most times, our time is God's time! Right?
In "Wait and See," Wendy walks us through getting ready to do battle with the proper weapons to get through any season no matter how long. The wait might be strenuous, but the wait it so worth it. She uses the story of David to encourage the reader and writes this book in a Bible study format. The composition is perfect as the reader engages the book, you have periods where you reflect on Bible verses and in the back of the book, you answer questions regarding the chapters. "Wait and See" is perfect for a book club format with your friends.
"Wait and See" is a breath of fresh air based on Biblical content, that touches my soul in a way that someone hasn't in a long time. It has brought me new hope because of the perspective that Wendy brings through the lens of the Bible and the experiences of those she shares in "Wait and See."
"Wait and See" releases Oct 1, 2016, and I highly recommend you put a pre-order in for this book. You don't want to miss this book! It will give you a new perspective on the difficult circumstances in your life. I can't tell you what this book has done for my attitude.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy of this book. I give it 5/5 stars and look forward to more great work by Wendy Pope. She is an author I think we can expect to see more amazing work from in the future.
Right through the gates of this book, I was nodding my head, in a puddle of tears, and thinking Wendy I'm living that life right now! At some point or another, we have all struggled with wanting something whether immediately or yearning and waiting for the journey to unfold, but not by our own time. Sometimes, or most times, our time is God's time! Right?
In "Wait and See," Wendy walks us through getting ready to do battle with the proper weapons to get through any season no matter how long. The wait might be strenuous, but the wait it so worth it. She uses the story of David to encourage the reader and writes this book in a Bible study format. The composition is perfect as the reader engages the book, you have periods where you reflect on Bible verses and in the back of the book, you answer questions regarding the chapters. "Wait and See" is perfect for a book club format with your friends.
"Wait and See" is a breath of fresh air based on Biblical content, that touches my soul in a way that someone hasn't in a long time. It has brought me new hope because of the perspective that Wendy brings through the lens of the Bible and the experiences of those she shares in "Wait and See."
"Wait and See" releases Oct 1, 2016, and I highly recommend you put a pre-order in for this book. You don't want to miss this book! It will give you a new perspective on the difficult circumstances in your life. I can't tell you what this book has done for my attitude.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy of this book. I give it 5/5 stars and look forward to more great work by Wendy Pope. She is an author I think we can expect to see more amazing work from in the future.
October 7, 2016
Waiting is a fact of life in big and small ways but what does it look like to wait well? In "Wait and See", Wendy Pope sets out to provide insight for just that. Warm and engagingl, Pope tells her own story of waiting through these page and also explores what waiting looked like for several others. Perhaps best of all, she applies God's truth on waiting through the experiences of King David...a man after God's own heart who didn't always get things perfect. In the telling, she provides not only practical insight on a topic that can cause even the stoutest of hearts to contemplate giving up but also encouragement and tools for our own journies. Waiting may not be our first choice but making use of that time, being productive in the wait, adds value and brings joy.
October 25, 2016
This book is hands down the best book I've read this year. If you are struggling and waiting on God--read this book! It was so insightful. I also loved how hands on this book was. While there are personal stories throughout the book, there is also the beautiful and biblical example of David woven in this book that helps keep the main focus on God and His word. I just cannot say enough about this book.
December 14, 2018
If I could read this book everyday, I would.
If you’re going through ANY season of wait, you must read this. It is SO good.
If you’re going through ANY season of wait, you must read this. It is SO good.
June 30, 2018
I wish I could say more about this book, but the title says it all. Because the contract for this book was a “Wait and See” experience for Miss Pope, I think she spent careful time going deep on certain passages that other authors may have skimmed over. I appreciate the consistent scriptural references that even challenged me to read a verse again that I know I’ve read before but missed the undertone. ;)
Nonetheless, long story short, enjoy the present and use the wait to be ready / get ready for whatever we feel God is “holding back” and making us wait.
Nonetheless, long story short, enjoy the present and use the wait to be ready / get ready for whatever we feel God is “holding back” and making us wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2018
I read this book with a friend as a Bible study (couple chapters every week). It was very good and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend it. This was great and I'm glad I read it, it was a 3-3.5 stars for me :)
July 28, 2020
LOVED IT. I really needed this one, it spoke to me in so many ways. I'm not always good at waiting I want to know what's going to happen. We are in a time of the unknown. "What we are waiting on is too good to hurry."
February 4, 2021
I was very skeptical/ worried this would be on the cheesy side, but I absolutely loved the book and it was words I needed to hear during this season of life. Love the the books design, mixture of reading, journaling and reading scripture.
July 29, 2024
While this book is relatively short and simple, it ended up being a longer read for me because each chapter is filled with Scriptures to study and journaling space for the reader to apply the concepts to life. It is laid out almost like a Bible study. I didn’t find the content of the book to be overly deep, but it was a good read.
July 12, 2017
Loved this book and am so glad someone recommended it! It spoke to me in a way nothing else has and encouraged me in my wait. It offers practical principles that make sense and that, I believe, will help me to "wait well" and focus on God, not the object of my wait, better.
January 22, 2020
Wendy Pope is amazing and you trust her and God as she takes you on this journey. I’d really like to be her friend in real life!
February 26, 2022
3.5* - Although what she wrote was true and scripture-based, I wish the lessons had more substance to them. The few questions in each lesson were very simple and there weren’t as many scriptures to study as I would have liked. I’d recommend to new believers who want to grow in or come to terms with their waiting seasons.
December 20, 2022
I needed this. Definitely worth reading slow to let it all sink in. I feel like this was exactly how I’m feeling right now, and reminded me of great truths.
October 1, 2016
Wendy Pope created a wonderful journey of exploring David’s pathway from anointed King to reigning King. We often think of David without really thinking about how long the journey was that the Bible takes us through.
Like David we are often called to wait. Why is it so difficult to do that? Wendy is vulnerable and shares times in her life when she had to wait. The key is she didn’t always wait well so she walks us through how to Find Peace in God’s Pauses and Plans.
Wendy’s writings are full of lots of great reasons for why the wait is so hard but the best news is her suggestions on how to make the wait worth it.
I really like the way Wait and See is setup with Chapter 10 being designed like a journal with questions to help us evaluate our current call to wait and really begin to put the new mindset and practices into place in a current situation right now.
One of my favorite chapters is When Waiting Messes with Your Mind. The battle of our mindset can make or break our attitude, no doubt. This chapter is full of great stories and truth.
I love that Wendy reminds us to keep our minds in the word which will keep the lies in check. Often when we are waiting we begin to be more susceptible to the lies of Satan.
Biblical truth always kills the lies. Wendy goes on to remind us that Peace from prayer fills us and makes the desire to quit lose its power. The more we pray the stronger we become and the more able we are to take down the quit.
Finally, in that chapter she goes on to remind us that Praises have great power in the wait as well. “Praise has a marvelously, mysterious aspect to it that slays defeat.” The study of the Psalms really brings this truth to life.
Waiting on God isn’t wasting time; it’s training time. So thankful for the truth of this statement!
I know if you take the time to really look at times of waiting in your life through the information provided by Wendy you will do it better and gleam more blessings from it than you have before.
Like David we are often called to wait. Why is it so difficult to do that? Wendy is vulnerable and shares times in her life when she had to wait. The key is she didn’t always wait well so she walks us through how to Find Peace in God’s Pauses and Plans.
Wendy’s writings are full of lots of great reasons for why the wait is so hard but the best news is her suggestions on how to make the wait worth it.
I really like the way Wait and See is setup with Chapter 10 being designed like a journal with questions to help us evaluate our current call to wait and really begin to put the new mindset and practices into place in a current situation right now.
One of my favorite chapters is When Waiting Messes with Your Mind. The battle of our mindset can make or break our attitude, no doubt. This chapter is full of great stories and truth.
I love that Wendy reminds us to keep our minds in the word which will keep the lies in check. Often when we are waiting we begin to be more susceptible to the lies of Satan.
Biblical truth always kills the lies. Wendy goes on to remind us that Peace from prayer fills us and makes the desire to quit lose its power. The more we pray the stronger we become and the more able we are to take down the quit.
Finally, in that chapter she goes on to remind us that Praises have great power in the wait as well. “Praise has a marvelously, mysterious aspect to it that slays defeat.” The study of the Psalms really brings this truth to life.
Waiting on God isn’t wasting time; it’s training time. So thankful for the truth of this statement!
I know if you take the time to really look at times of waiting in your life through the information provided by Wendy you will do it better and gleam more blessings from it than you have before.
October 1, 2016
Waiting is hard, but Wendy Pope's new book shows us how to wait well. Wendy teaches us how to turn our season of waiting into a time of faith formation. She teaches us to focus on God, the Person of our faith rather than the object of our wait and to view God's pauses as opportunities to know Him better, along with a wealth of other lessons to be found in uncertain times.
Wendy writes in a thoughtful, straight forward manner. Her lessons are biblically based and practical. She draws on the life of David- from shepherded boy to king- and his psalms to teach us the values found in waiting well. In addition to King David the book follows the seasons of waiting of four contemporaries and shows how the principles in the book apply to their pauses.
The book has a special chapter where ypu use the principles found in each of the chapters to write your own story of waiting. "Worth the Wait: My Story". This helped me to apply Wendy's wisdom to my own season of waiting.
I would recommend this book to everyone experiencing a "pause". It is a hands on book that carries through with it's promise to help you experience peace in God's pauses and plans. It will help you use your struggles to grow in faith. Use the areas for journaling to learn to apply the principles to your pause. "Wait and See " can be a real life changer. And don't skip the "Digging Deeper with David " lessons at the end of the chapters. Each one is based on one of David's psalms and teaches many important lessons on waiting well.
Reading "Wait and See " is time we'll spent! Wendy Pope has truly made a difference in my life through this book and her Read through the Word bible study. I look forward to more books by Wendy!
Wendy writes in a thoughtful, straight forward manner. Her lessons are biblically based and practical. She draws on the life of David- from shepherded boy to king- and his psalms to teach us the values found in waiting well. In addition to King David the book follows the seasons of waiting of four contemporaries and shows how the principles in the book apply to their pauses.
The book has a special chapter where ypu use the principles found in each of the chapters to write your own story of waiting. "Worth the Wait: My Story". This helped me to apply Wendy's wisdom to my own season of waiting.
I would recommend this book to everyone experiencing a "pause". It is a hands on book that carries through with it's promise to help you experience peace in God's pauses and plans. It will help you use your struggles to grow in faith. Use the areas for journaling to learn to apply the principles to your pause. "Wait and See " can be a real life changer. And don't skip the "Digging Deeper with David " lessons at the end of the chapters. Each one is based on one of David's psalms and teaches many important lessons on waiting well.
Reading "Wait and See " is time we'll spent! Wendy Pope has truly made a difference in my life through this book and her Read through the Word bible study. I look forward to more books by Wendy!
October 31, 2018
Will this opportunity come available? Wait and see.
Will my efforts finally be rewarded? Wait and see.
Will I get that job/promotion? Wait and see.
Will I meet my goal to_____? Wait and see.
This is our life. We all have hopes, dreams, and expectations, but more often than not, we're stuck in a season of waiting. And waiting is hard. So. Hard.
Reading Wait and See [affiliate link] was like finally having that drink of water when you've been stuck in the wilderness for so long. It's nourishing and gives you that little oomph to keep going. My soul needed these words, and I'm so thankful God used Wendy to speak to me in this season.
It reminded me that joy is found in the journey--in tending your own pasture. Joy is found in the quiet corners of our lives, precious time spent with our families. We can't live for some thing/event, or everything will pass us by. Tiny, seemingly insignificant moments, are the building blocks of life, and a well-lived life is found in the present.
Will my efforts finally be rewarded? Wait and see.
Will I get that job/promotion? Wait and see.
Will I meet my goal to_____? Wait and see.
This is our life. We all have hopes, dreams, and expectations, but more often than not, we're stuck in a season of waiting. And waiting is hard. So. Hard.
Reading Wait and See [affiliate link] was like finally having that drink of water when you've been stuck in the wilderness for so long. It's nourishing and gives you that little oomph to keep going. My soul needed these words, and I'm so thankful God used Wendy to speak to me in this season.
It reminded me that joy is found in the journey--in tending your own pasture. Joy is found in the quiet corners of our lives, precious time spent with our families. We can't live for some thing/event, or everything will pass us by. Tiny, seemingly insignificant moments, are the building blocks of life, and a well-lived life is found in the present.
October 19, 2016
WAIT AND SEE is, as the title says, for those who are waiting. I know the perfect person to gift my copy to as they are in a period of waiting. Actually, I know several people this book will fit, so I may be buying gift copies!
Ms. Pope knows about waiting. She had many periods of waiting in her life. In fact, at first as I thumbed through it, I thought it had a whiny feel, and that kind of annoyed me. I don't want to read a book about her whining about this and that and the next thing. But once I settled in to actually read the book, Ms. Pope takes the time to dissect her whines and turn them into ministering opportunities to help others who are waiting for whatever they are waiting for.
This book is a good book for anyone who maybe waiting for God to hear them and answer their prayers. Good for church libraries and Christian counselors, among others.
Ms. Pope knows about waiting. She had many periods of waiting in her life. In fact, at first as I thumbed through it, I thought it had a whiny feel, and that kind of annoyed me. I don't want to read a book about her whining about this and that and the next thing. But once I settled in to actually read the book, Ms. Pope takes the time to dissect her whines and turn them into ministering opportunities to help others who are waiting for whatever they are waiting for.
This book is a good book for anyone who maybe waiting for God to hear them and answer their prayers. Good for church libraries and Christian counselors, among others.
December 15, 2016
Loved this. Never thought of waiting time as training time or to guard against the uninviteds. Author's built in bible study very helpful to go through more in depth.
September 30, 2016
Wait and See by Wendy Pope is one of the best books I have read. She teaches us to wait in God’s strength to see what His plan is for our lives. She weaves stories of real life throughout to show us what it can look like in our lives as well. She also takes us back into biblical times to show us how to wait as David waited. I love the space to journal your thoughts in Chapter 10 in answer to what we learned in the other chapters. Also learning and studying scripture at the end of each chapter is so welcome. I love Wendy’s teaching of digging deeper. I will be reading this book many more times and have no doubt I will learn new things each time.
October 30, 2016
I really liked this book.
It was perfect for where I am in life - the waiting period.
Wendy does a great job of sharing God's word with us as we learn about David's wait, remember he was told he would be King and then sent back to the fields for many years.
I love that we get to follow the stories of Ashley, Samantha, Dianna and Scott through each chapter.
So much to leave while I wait.
I want to focus on the Person of my faith rather than the object of my wait.
It was perfect for where I am in life - the waiting period.
Wendy does a great job of sharing God's word with us as we learn about David's wait, remember he was told he would be King and then sent back to the fields for many years.
I love that we get to follow the stories of Ashley, Samantha, Dianna and Scott through each chapter.
So much to leave while I wait.
I want to focus on the Person of my faith rather than the object of my wait.
March 13, 2018
I cannot recommend this book enough if you're going through a season of waiting for something you feel God's put on your heart. I think the online Bible Study through Proverbs 31 Ministries added a lot to my experience, but as a book on its own, this definitely stands. Wendy Pope has a way of getting right to the point, but still weaving in personal stories and stories of others, right alongside David's story from the Old Testament. I would put this on my top 5 books that changed my life list!
December 3, 2016
While the concepts aren't earth-shattering, it was helpful to read about waiting from someone who openly acknowledges how long and hard the task can be and how there can be good and difficult moments in the season. I liked how she gave productive ideas for ways to use the time well.
June 10, 2020
This was my second time going through Wendy’s book, Wait and See, and I still loved it! I love how she writes and that she’s gives space for you to write down your own thoughts and processes! I highly recommend this book to anyone in a waiting season of any kind! Certainly was timely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews