WHEN THE WAIT IS THE WORK

My father-in-law and I were talking about some of the great quarterbacks that never got the accolades or made it into the Hall of Fame. We created our list, Jim Plunkett (2x SB Champion -Raiders), Steve McNair (NFL Co-MVP - Titans), but on the top of that list is the great Kenny Anderson (Bengals).

Some people wait in silence. Some people wait in frustration. And some people … wait so long that history starts to forget their name.

Ken Anderson is still waiting.

• NFL MVP (1981)

• 4× passing champion

• 2× First-Team All-Pro

• Took the Bengals to the Super Bowl

The MVP. The architect of a system that changed football forever. The quarterback who ran the West Coast offense before Montana (who is my all time favorite by the way) got the glory. The man who led a team to the Super Bowl … and then somehow got left outside the doors of the Hall of Fame. Forty years of waiting.

And that’s not just a sports story … its a spiritual one. Because when you read your Bible, you’ll notice something: God is obsessed with the wilderness. The Children of Israel waited 40 years They should have walked into the Promise Land in days … but instead they wandered for decades.

Why? Not because God forgot them. Not because He changed His mind. But because their promise was bigger than their preparation. The wilderness was not punishment.It was process. They had slaves in their thinking, even though chains were off their hands.

And here’s the hard truth no one likes to hear: The wait is not God denying you. The wait is God developing you.

Ken Anderson didn’t just wait 40 years for recognition.The Children of Israel didn’t just wander 40 years for land. Forty is not a curse. Forty is a classroom. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before he ever spoke to Pharaoh. Jesus fasted 40 days before He ever preached in power. Israel wandered 40 years before stepping into their inheritance. And Ken Anderson?He’s been waiting 40 years while the spotlight shines on other names.

Which makes me wonder: Is the wait really about recognition or refinement?

Because here is the real question: Are you waiting because God isn’t ready? Or are you waiting because you are still becoming?

We love shortcuts. God loves process.

We love speed. God loves seasoning.

We want recognition. God wants revelation.

Ken Anderson already did the work. He was already MVP. Already changed the game. Already elevated a city. But history didn’t rush his reward. And neither does heaven.

The Bible says in Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it tarries, wait for it… it will surely come and it will not delay.” In other words: The promise isn’t late. You’re just early. Here’s the uncomfortable truth for leaders: Some of the greatest leaders in history go their whole life misunderstood. I know something about that too. Until people get to know you, personally, they will always think they know you, but they don't. They just know about you. This happens to anyone in leadership.

You see, David was anointed, but not crowned for 14 years. Joseph was promised, but not promoted. Israel was chosen, but still wandering for those 40 years. Anderson was brilliant, but he is still waiting.

Which is why this hits me: Sometimes God lets people overlook you on earth…Because He knows heaven is the one keeping score.

You might be running a system no one sees. Building something no one applauds. Doing things that will only be recognized after you’re gone. But let me tell you something in plain language: God is not impressed by applause. God is impressed by obedience. The wilderness is not empty. It’s holy. It develops muscle. It creates dependence. It kills pride. It produces power. You don’t get promised land strength without wilderness pressure. Ken Anderson’s career wasn’t loud. But it was clean. Precise. Faithful.

I have found myself in seasons of waiting for my entire ministry. It is often discouraging while in the process, but on the other side of the waiting I see my development. God was using it. Pulling away my pride. Trimming my insecurities. Forging my faith. Developing my character. God is alwaus up to something. Even in the waiting.

And history can debate Canton all day long … But heaven doesn’t debate faithfulness.

So if you’re waiting right now… Waiting for your name to be called Waiting for recognition Waiting for promotion Waiting for breakthrough Waiting for the “Hall of Fame” of your own life

Hear me: The wait is not a setback.It is proof that God is still working. And when He finally brings you into your promise … You won’t just be ready for the blessing. You will be strong enough to sustain it.