Podcast Summary: Girls Gone Bible – Trusting God in the Waiting Season
Episode Title: Trusting God in the Waiting Season
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Hosts: Angela Halili (A) and Arielle Reitsma (B)
Description: Hosted by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, Girls Gone Bible explores all things Jesus and life, offering authentic conversations from two imperfect girls serving an absolutely perfect God.
Introduction to the Waiting Season
The episode delves into the concept of the "waiting season," a period of life where individuals find themselves in a state of pause, longing, or uncertainty while trusting in God's timing and plan. Angela and Arielle share their personal experiences and insights on navigating these challenging times with faith and hope.
Personal Testimonies and Vulnerability
Angela's Journey (Timestamp: [19:19])
Angela opens up about her intense personal struggles during her 30s, describing a phase where everything she had built—the relationships, career, and dreams—crumbled overnight. She recounts feeling isolated, desperate, and grappling with grief so profound it led her to question her existence and purpose.
"I remember feeling like my life was over. I felt like my time was up. And I remember feeling like, how will I ever move on?" ([27:23])
Through her darkest moments, Angela found solace in a newfound relationship with Jesus, which became her anchor during the waiting season. This relationship provided her with the strength and resilience to endure and eventually thrive.
Arielle's Encouragement (Timestamp: [25:00])
Arielle commends Angela for her bravery and resilience, highlighting how Angela’s journey transformed her own understanding of faith and healing.
"You are a phenomenal writer. Your gifted way of expressing yourself is beyond impressive. Your writing in this book is mind-blowing." ([25:00])
She emphasizes that Angela’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and reliance on God during trying times.
Understanding the Waiting Season as a Blessing
Angela articulates that the waiting season is not a curse but a divine period of preparation and growth. She shares scriptural references to bolster this perspective:
- John 13:7: "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later."
- Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens."
These scriptures reinforce the idea that God’s timing is perfect and that each waiting period serves a greater purpose in shaping one’s faith and character.
"God allows different seasons for a reason, and we might miss out on his plans if we try to skip any of them." ([24:40])
The Role of Faith and Dependency on Jesus
A central theme is the importance of developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus during the waiting period. Angela emphasizes that relying solely on Himself, rather than on external relationships or achievements, leads to true peace and self-love.
"God shows me that true love and peace are found in Jesus, not in somebody else." ([44:25])
Arielle echoes this sentiment, sharing her own struggles with abandonment issues and reinforcing that only Jesus can heal these deep-seated wounds.
"Marrying John will not heal my abandonment issues. Jesus has to heal my abandonment issues." ([59:05])
Overcoming Comparisons and Embracing God’s Plan
The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of comparing one’s journey to others, especially amplified by social media. They highlight the temptation to covet others' relationships, which can lead to grief, bitterness, and a sense of being forgotten by God.
"It’s so easy to do that. This happened to me recently where I started to compare and think, has God forgotten me?" ([60:09])
To combat this, Angela advises staying spiritually filled through scripture reading and prayer, trusting that God’s plan is superior to one’s own desires.
"We have to constantly be filled and walking in the spirit because when we walk in the spirit, he sustains us in the season." ([60:09])
Embracing Growth and Becoming a Seed of Faith
Angela reflects on how her waiting season allowed her to grow and develop gifts she might not have discovered otherwise. She now serves as a "seed of faith" for others in similar situations, offering compassion and understanding.
"Your waiting season is connected to so much more than just you. You’re a seed to somebody else." ([54:00])
This transformation underscores the episode’s message: the waiting season is a period of significant personal growth and preparation for future blessings.
Scriptural Reinforcement and Encouragement
Towards the end of the episode, Angela and Arielle reiterate the transformative power of scripture and prayer during the waiting season. They encourage listeners to hold onto God's promises and trust in His timing.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined the plans that God has for those who love him." ([57:47])
They emphasize that God is actively working in the background, strengthening patience, protecting from unseen dangers, and preparing individuals for greater blessings.
Closing Thoughts and Blessings
The episode concludes with heartfelt blessings from both hosts, reaffirming their support for listeners navigating their own waiting seasons. They remind everyone that they are not alone and that God's timing is impeccable.
"We love you. We hope that you feel less alone today. Just know that you have a sister who's waiting with you." ([72:57])
Key Takeaways
- Reframe the Waiting Season: Understand that waiting is a divine period of preparation and not a punishment.
- Deepen Your Relationship with Jesus: Use this time to build a stronger, more personal connection with God.
- Avoid Comparisons: Recognize and mitigate the temptation to compare your journey with others.
- Embrace Growth: View challenges as opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
- Stay Spiritually Filled: Engage with scripture and prayer to maintain faith and resilience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "I was in a park every day, struggling with grief, and then I found Jesus. That little bit of hope changed everything." – Angela ([27:23])
- "You are a phenomenal writer. Your storytelling is beyond impressive." – Arielle ([25:00])
- "Your waiting season is connected to so much more than just you. You’re a seed to somebody else." – Angela ([54:00])
- "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined the plans that God has for those who love him." – Angela ([57:47])
Conclusion
In this heartfelt episode of Girls Gone Bible, Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma offer an authentic and vulnerable exploration of the waiting season. Through personal testimonies, scriptural insights, and mutual encouragement, they guide listeners to embrace these challenging times as opportunities for profound growth and deeper faith. The episode serves as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that they are not alone and that God's plans are always unfolding perfectly, even when the path is unclear.
Stay Connected:
Follow Angela and Arielle on social media for more insights and updates:
- Instagram: @angelahalili
- Instagram: @ariellereitsma
Join the Community:
If you're facing your own waiting season, connect with the Girls Gone Bible community for support and encouragement. Remember, you're not alone in your journey.