Trusting God's Timing When Life Feels Delayed
What feels like a delay to me is often God’s precise timing at work—arranging details I can’t yet see.
As I ponder what to write, I think back to a recent incident that made me realize how God works. He works in ways that we can’t seem to comprehend, and sometimes it may even pass us by without us giving it a second thought about what He has done.
It was one of those relaxing, uneventful Saturday nights. I was finishing my meal when the phone rang. It was my mom. My dad was in a lot of pain, and they were thinking we should take him to the hospital. They no longer drive, so I needed to take them.
I had already gotten into my comfy pajamas, so I needed to get dressed. And from experience, I knew I needed to go prepared for an extended stay. When you head to the ER, the wait is usually hours on end. I was trying to find all I would need to take with me—my phone, of course, and a charger with a battery pack. That way, I would have something to listen to as I sat and waited.
The hard part about putting everything together was that I couldn’t find the things I needed. I was feeling a little frustrated, but then I turned to God, and He helped me find what I needed. Still, things took longer than anticipated.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Then there was the journey there. We were experiencing freezing rain, so the roads were slick and foggy. I do not like to drive in fog. At times, I could hardly see the road, so I took it slow. In my mind, the longer it took to get there, the longer we would be there—and the later I would get to bed.
The frustration was mounting, but I kept feeling the need to trust God. So many times, I think my thoughts and ways are better than what is happening. Yet God keeps trying to teach me that whatever is happening, He is in control, and I don’t need to be frustrated or worried.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”
— Isaiah 55:8 (KJV)
As slow as it was, we finally made it to the hospital around 8:40 PM. To my surprise, we were able to go right up to the desk with no one in the waiting room. Within five minutes of our arrival, several people came in, and the line grew long.
In less than ten minutes, we were back in a room—and the room was right by the exit door, away from all the main activity of the ER. I was so grateful for that. The doctor came right in, and everything moved very quickly. We were back home ten minutes before 11:00 PM, including our forty-minute drive. That was a record-time visit.
God knew exactly what time we needed to be at the hospital, and He knew what delays were required to get us there right on time. Every time something like this happens, I wonder why I struggle so much to trust when God truly has it all under control. He works things out in the best ways possible.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (KJV)
There may be times when things work out differently and seem so wrong, but we can’t see what we avoided or what we were saved from. I look forward to the day when I can see everything God has done throughout my life and all the blessings that have come from it.
“Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)
I want to be more committed to trusting God through everything that comes my way. I want to let go and let God.
How about you?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I often struggle with trusting You when things don’t go according to my plan or timeline. I allow frustration, worry, and impatience to creep in when I cannot see what You are doing. Today, I choose to surrender control back to You. Help me trust that You are always working, even when I don’t understand the delays or detours. Teach me to rest in Your sovereignty and to walk in faith rather than fear. I commit my plans, my timing, and my heart to You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Action Steps
Pause before reacting – When frustration rises, stop and pray before responding.
Recall past faithfulness – Write down moments when God’s timing proved perfect.
Speak Scripture – Memorize Proverbs 3:5–6 and repeat it during stressful moments.
Release control daily – Verbally surrender your plans to God each morning.
Reflect with gratitude – At the end of the day, note where God showed up—even in delays.
God’s delays are never wasted. His timing is always intentional, even when it feels inconvenient. May we learn to trust Him—not just when things go smoothly, but especially when they don’t—believing that He is always working for our good and His glory.
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