God’s Timing is always perfect. Most of us believe this in theory. But when we’re 36 years old still searching for a hubs, or for that promotion taking a decade, this flowery notion can lose its luster. That’s why it’s so important to remember these four vital truths about God’s timing.

God Isn’t In A Rush

In today’s instantly gratified world, we want quick results. We’ve prayed every day for a year now Lord. Where. Is. My answer.. But sometimes God’s “slowness” can be a blessing. Truly. Think of all the cringe-worthy things we’ve begged God for that thank goodness he never delivered. I’d be married to a guy with a neck tattoo, most likely hosting Pampered Chef parties in suburban Jersey if God caved to  my twenty-something desires. God is in it for the long haul. He sees the big picture of our life and understands what it really takes to make us happy.  When we learn to trust God completely, we’ll be less impatient and more content in the moment, while he works everything for our good.

Focus Less On The Wait And More On The Why

Instead of feeling disheartened about how long it’s taking for the change we desire, focus more on what we’re meant to embrace, accomplish, learn and enjoy during the wait. God’s delays are always purposeful. Perhaps we need a bit more refinement, or he has something for us to accomplish before ushering us into the next season. We may be hoping or a promotion, but maybe God has something better in mind that includes a different job being prepared for you, that’s even better. If you’re single and ready to break down watching one more Netflix series alone in your hoody footie, consider what you could be doing (or not doing…!) in the meantime. We’re meant to live every day in abundance, even when waiting on the Lord for something big. Think of how great it’d feel to look back, after our prayers have been answered and know you embraced that season of difficulty in your marriage by pouring into your kids, Or a ministry. Or started a side hustle, or trained for a marathon, choosing to enjoy life while waiting on the Lord.

Believe He Knows Best. Then Treat It Like Night Cream And Apply That Belief Daily

Autonomy is lovely, and very convenient.  We want to be the ones to make our life’s decisions. To decide when to sell the house. Or when we’re ready for a baby. Or whether to seriously consider divorce if our husband doesn’t start (fill in the ugly blanks). But when looking back on all the things I thought I needed or wanted, I’ve been embarrassingly wrong. Having teenage sons really brings this truth home. Just yesterday I had an intense debate with my 13-year-old son convinced he should drop out of school and begin his entrepreneurship early. Bless his passion. God’s timing is perfect because He perfect. He loves us more than we can comprehend, and even when we mess up or disobey, he continually re-works his plan to ensure we remain on the right path. Believing this will combat the bitterness and hopelessness that can develop when waiting on God’s timing.

He’s Just Makin’ It Good

When waiting on the Lord, or struggling with God’s timing, the enemy would love for us to believe one of three lies: God’s forgotten about us. He’s disappointed with us, and therefore punishing us. Or he’s just plain ambivalent towards us. Maye God’s trying to “test us” to see if we’ll crack, backslide, complain, etc. But I like to believe the “delay” signifies his perfectionism. Whatever we’re waiting on….He’s makin’ it good. Like vintage pinot. Or gramma’s marinara sauce that bubbles and stews all day before reaching perfection. I hate getting older, but one perk to these crow’s feet is having witnessed so much evidence of this concept. It took 40 years for me to find an amazing (like out of my girlhood dreams amazing) Christian husband, and despite all my whining and pining, it was one hundred percent worth the wait. When you’re waiting on the Lord, try and shift your focus to expectation, thanking God ahead of time before he even delivers. This will increase your faith and convert anxiousness to hope.

God’s timing will always be a mystery. Trust that he’s got it, and enjoy the ride, as much as possible. The best is yet to come! xo.

For more on God’s timing read here.

For more inspiration on God’s timing, watch my all-time favorite sermon on God’s timing by Priscilla Shirer.

What are you waiting for God to come through for? What’s your greatest testimony when it comes to God’s timing? Please comment below, we need to hear it!