When God Says Wait: Trusting His Timing Over Our Own
Let’s face it—waiting is hard. Whether it’s waiting for a job, a relationship, healing, or even clarity in life, we often find ourselves in seasons where God seems to be saying, “Not yet.” And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt the urge to rush things along.
But here’s the thing: when God says wait, we need to listen, because rushing ahead can lead to unnecessary battles.
Rushing Seasons Can Lead to Unintended Consequences
Is this you? Feeling impatient, eager for things to happen faster than they are? It’s tempting to rush ahead when life seems to be moving too slowly. But every time we step outside of God’s timing, we risk creating something that wasn’t part of His plan.
Take Abraham and Sarah, for example. God promised them a son, an heir. But instead of waiting for His perfect timing, they took matters into their own hands and had Ishmael. Later, Ishmael became a source of conflict with Isaac—the true child of promise.
This isn’t just a story from thousands of years ago. It’s a lesson for us today. When we rush through the seasons God has placed us in, we create unnecessary battles in our own lives. What was meant to be a time of growth and preparation can turn into a time of stress and frustration. Trusting God’s timing means trusting that He knows what’s best for us, even when we can’t see it.
God Doesn’t Rush—But He’s Never Late
Here’s something to remember: God is a God of speed, but He doesn’t rush. There’s a huge difference.
While He can move things forward in an instant, He knows when the right moment is. Rushing doesn’t come from God—it often comes from fear, impatience, or the pressure of the world around us.
In those moments when we feel like we’re running out of time, it’s essential to remember the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God’s plan is always better than anything we could come up with on our own. If He’s saying “wait,” it’s because the perfect timing for your breakthrough hasn’t arrived yet. We need to trust that His plans for us are good, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Two Days Before Your Breakthrough, Beware of the Ishmael Offer
Here’s something powerful to consider: sometimes, just two days before your breakthrough, Satan will offer you an “Ishmael.” In other words, when you’re closest to receiving God’s promise, you may be tempted with a counterfeit solution—a quicker, easier option that doesn’t require waiting.
But remember, Ishmael wasn’t the promise—Isaac was. Don’t settle for less than what God has promised you just because it’s convenient or it looks like a faster solution. It can be hard to turn down an opportunity or a shortcut, especially when you’ve been waiting for so long. But choosing the “Ishmael” path will only lead to struggles that God never intended for you to face.
Instead, wait for your Isaac—the promise God has specifically for you. The temptation to settle might feel overwhelming, but know that God is faithful, and He will deliver what He has promised if you hold on and trust His timing.
Learning to Trust God in the Waiting
So how do we wait well? How do we resist the urge to rush ahead and avoid the “Ishmael” offers in life? It comes down to trust—trust in God’s timing, trust in His character, and trust in His promises. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
God’s ways often don’t make sense to us in the moment. But when we choose to lean into His wisdom instead of our own, we begin to experience a deeper peace, even in the waiting. The waiting period isn’t wasted—it’s where God prepares us for what’s to come. It’s where we grow, where we strengthen our faith, and where we learn to rely on Him more fully.
Your Promise is Coming—In God’s Time
So, if you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. You’re not alone, and you’re not being overlooked. God sees you, and He’s working behind the scenes in ways you can’t yet understand. Trust that His plan for you is alive and active, just as Jeremiah 29:11 promises. Your Isaac is coming—don’t settle for an Ishmael just because the wait feels long.
God’s timing is perfect. He’s never late. And when He says “wait,” it’s because He’s setting you up for something greater than you could ever imagine. Stay faithful, stay patient, and hold onto His promises—your breakthrough is on the way.
Final Thoughts
In seasons of waiting, let’s lean into the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 and remember that God’s plans for us are always good. Every “wait” is a part of His divine timing, and He is never in a rush. So, if you’re feeling like you need to rush through this season, pause, pray, and trust that God has something incredible in store for you—just in His perfect time.
