There’s a beautiful truth in the idea that God is never late. While we may often struggle with doubt, anxiety, and impatience, God’s timing is always perfect. Even when life feels uncertain and things don’t go according to our plans, we can trust in God’s process and His timing. Joseph C. Stemple reminds us that God knows what’s best for us, and His plans are never rushed or delayed.
Trusting the Process
Life is full of seasons—some are filled with joy, while others test our patience and faith. We often ask ourselves, “Why is this taking so long?” or “When will I see my prayers answered?” It’s in these moments of waiting that our faith is tested the most.
The Bible reminds us to trust in God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says:
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse highlights the importance of trusting that God knows the best time for everything in our lives. Though we may want things to happen now, God sees the bigger picture. Sometimes, the waiting is a part of the blessing because it prepares us for what’s to come.
God’s Perfect Timing: The Birth of Jesus
One of the greatest examples of God’s perfect timing is the birth of Jesus. The people of Israel had been waiting for the Messiah for centuries. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised to send a Savior, but many generations passed before that promise was fulfilled.
Galatians 4:4 (NIV) tells us:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”
This scripture reveals that Jesus came at the perfect moment in history, according to God’s plan. It wasn’t by accident or delay. The world was ready for His arrival, and God’s timing ensured that the message of Jesus would spread across nations, changing the course of history. His life, death, and resurrection were right on time to fulfill the prophecies and bring salvation to the world.
Waiting with Purpose
In our personal journeys, we can often feel like we’re stuck in a waiting season. But what if waiting is part of God’s refining process? Much like gold is refined by fire, waiting often helps shape us into the people God has called us to be. In the quiet moments of waiting, He is working on our hearts, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for the future.
Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) reminds us that:
“We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Our waiting is not in vain. It’s a time when God is building something far greater within us than we can imagine. Sometimes, the breakthrough comes not in the destination but in the journey itself.
God’s Timing in Everyday Life
Many of us have experienced moments where things didn’t go according to plan, only to later realize that God had something better in store for us. Maybe a job opportunity fell through, or a relationship ended, and in the moment, it felt like a setback. But in time, we come to see how God’s timing worked out for our good.
It’s essential to remember that God’s timing is always tied to His wisdom. He sees what we cannot, and He knows what’s best for us, even when it feels uncomfortable or unclear. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) reassures us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s ways are beyond our understanding, but we can trust that His timing is purposeful.
Conclusion
God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own. He calls us to trust in His process, believing that He is working all things together for our good. When life feels uncertain or delayed, we can take comfort in knowing that God is never late—He is always on time.
Looking for more wisdom on trusting God’s timing? Dive deeper into understanding God’s plan for your life with Joseph C. Stemple’s latest book, Trust in God.” Learn how to trust the process and embrace God’s timing in every season.
