God’s Timing vs. Our Expectations
Next week is my birthday, and it’s not something I have looked forward to over the last few years. I dreaded entering my 30s because I felt like I didn’t even get to enjoy my 20s. Now that 32 is just around the corner, I’m not sure I’m any more settled into this new era of life. I could generate a list of amazing blessings that have come my way, and I always give God praise for where He has brought me, even if it isn’t the vision I had for myself.
I always thought my 20s would be my young, carefree season. I would fall in love, travel, buy a home, and start a family. Then my 30s would be spent raising my babies and taking care of our home. So when I wake up every day to an empty bed, when I watch my friends announce their pregnancies, and when I walk as a bridesmaid in their weddings, it’s just another reminder that my time has not yet come.
Now, as a single Christian, I have heard it all (literally, I could write another book on it), and my heart knows the Lord hears my cries, that He has a plan and timing. I have gone through all 20 stages of grief—from anger to depression to Miss Independent and believing I’m not worthy of that kind of love. I also know that no relationship and no human person can complete me; that is something only Jesus can do. But that doesn’t change the fact that this deep yearning is there, and it has not yet been answered or fulfilled.
It’s very easy to fall into the pit of, “Why does it happen for others and not for me?” Or maybe it’s the question of, “Am I doing something wrong? Did I hear God wrong?” Then there’s the temptation to take control and settle for something less just to feel progress. But all that does is create a false sense of security and the illusion that we know better than the Lord.
Think of David, who—though anointed king—spent years in hiding. Or Hannah, who prayed for a child year after year with no answer. Heck, Joseph went to prison before stepping into his calling. The common theme? While you’re waiting, God is working. He isn’t just preparing the promise—He is preparing you for it! In the waiting, He is strengthening faith, refining character, and teaching trust beyond circumstances.
If there is something you have been waiting for, something you’ve been dreaming of, I encourage you to hold fast. None of us know His timing or His plan, but we do know that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Be honest with God about your feelings—He can take it all. Look back on past seasons where His timing was perfect and use that to find peace in surrender rather than certainty. Even if He doesn’t move in the way you expect, trust that He is still good.
As another year rolls around the sun for me, I am encouraged that though I am still in my waiting season, God is still in control. He has been nothing but good to me and will continue to be—because He loves me.
Trusting God with the First Step
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Trusting God with the First Step 〰️
Waiting can feel heavy—especially when we don’t see progress, answers, or the fulfillment of the dreams we carry. I know that feeling well. There have been many moments when I’ve wanted to take control, force things to happen, or settle just to move forward. But every time, God gently reminds me: “This is not yours to carry alone.”
One of the most powerful things we can do in seasons of waiting is surrender—not as a sign of giving up, but as an act of faith. Try this activity with anything you feel you are carrying around with you.
Surrender Box
Find a small box, envelope, or even a designated journal page.
Write down what you’re waiting for. Be honest—what is the desire, prayer, or unanswered question that you keep holding onto? What feels uncertain, out of reach, or delayed?
Pray over it. Before placing it inside the box, take a moment to pray. Acknowledge your emotions—whether it’s frustration, hope, or confusion—and surrender it to God. Pray:
“Lord, I place this in Your hands. I trust that You see me, You hear me, and You are working, even when I can’t see it. Help me to wait well and find peace in surrendering this to You. Amen.”Place it inside and let it go. Each time you find yourself dwelling on it, instead of worrying, open the box, re-read your prayer, and lift it back up to God.
Over time, revisit your the box. You may find that God has answered some prayers in ways you didn’t expect. Some prayers may still be waiting, but you’ll also see how He has sustained you in the process. Waiting is not wasted. God is working in the unseen, shaping you for what’s ahead. As you release your plans into His hands, trust that He is holding your future with love and purpose.
If you want, share in the comments or your journal what you’re surrendering today. You don’t have to share every detail, but sometimes speaking it out loud or writing it down makes surrender feel even more real.
