It amazes me how confidently we plan our lives.
We create timelines. We set targets. We write down goals and map out exactly how our lives are supposed to unfold.
I remember when I was about 18 years old, I sat down with my journal and carefully planned the next five years of my life. Guess what number two was on the list? Immediately after university, I wanted to get married at 22 and have five children.
Five! 🤣🤣🤣
Looking back now, I am convinced God was reading my journal and laughing. Something like: “This my daughter is not serious.”
## THE TEMPLATE WE ALL SEEM TO HAVE
If we’re being honest, most of us have a similar template for success. Go to school. Get a good job or start a thriving business. Get married. Have children. Build a mansion. Buy a few luxury cars. Watch your children get married. Become a grandparent. Then eventually enjoy the sweet release of old age.
Simple, right?
Or so we think.
Then life starts happening. And suddenly, nothing follows the script. The job doesn’t come when expected. The business isn’t growing as planned. Marriage is delayed. Children aren’t arriving according to schedule. The opportunities are not showing up.
And before long, we find ourselves praying agitated prayers. You know the kind. The prayers where you’re trying to “help” God remember His promises. 😄 The ones where you’re almost negotiating with Him.
Sometimes I honestly think we believe we’ve suffered waiting on God. Meanwhile, God has probably suffered more in our hands through all our threats, bargaining, covenants, and emotional blackmail. 🤣🤣🤣
## YOUR PLANS ARE VALID. BUT...
Don’t get me wrong. Your plans are valid. There is nothing wrong with having goals. But God’s timing is still superior to our planning.
Take that Bentley you’re dreaming of owning before age 30. Nothing wrong with that. But if you’re earning GH₵6,000 a month, God knows that after buying the car, you may have to sell all your family members just to afford fuel. 😂😂😂
So He says: “Wait small.”
Not because He hates you. Not because He’s wicked. Because He sees what you don’t.
## WHEN LIFE DOESN’T MATCH THE TIMELINE
Over the years, I’ve met people who became angry with God. Some stopped going to church altogether. Others concluded that God doesn’t answer prayers. Some even stopped believing He exists.
Why? Because life didn’t go according to their timeline.
Imagine applying for jobs for three years. Thousands of applications. Rejection after rejection. Or worse, complete silence. Then the pastor stands up every Sunday and says: “Prosperity is yours.” You begin wondering whether he’s preaching from the Bible or from another planet. 😄
I understand that frustration. I really do.
But here’s the thing: God is not in a hurry. You are. I am. God isn’t.
Proverbs 19:21 says:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Notice it doesn’t say our plans are bad. It simply says His purpose wins. Every single time.
## WHAT IF WE ASKED DIFFERENT QUESTIONS?
What if, instead of always telling God our plans and asking Him to bless them, we occasionally asked:
- “Lord, what are Your plans for me?”
- “Why did You put me on this earth?”
- “What is Your purpose for my life?”
Now, don’t expect Him to send you a detailed PowerPoint presentation with timelines, milestones, and a retirement plan. 😄 But He does guide. Sometimes through His Word. Sometimes through a sermon. Sometimes through repeated nudges in your spirit. Sometimes through open and closed doors.
You may be praying to rent a three-bedroom house. Meanwhile, God is trying to introduce you to real estate.
You may be praying for one child. Meanwhile, God is preparing you to impact hundreds of children through an orphanage.
You may be thinking small. God is often thinking much bigger. Because frankly... He has swag like that. 😉
## SOMETIMES THE ANSWER IS “NO”
Sometimes God’s answer isn’t delayed. It’s simply “No.” And let’s be honest... we don’t like hearing that.
You keep praying about that relationship. The more you pray, the more shege the person shows you. 😄 Yet somehow, you are still there, fasting and doing midnight prayers. Meanwhile, God is saying: “My daughter, my son... please read the signs.”
Sometimes God’s “No” is the greatest act of love you will ever experience.
Other times, His answer isn’t “No.” It’s: “Wait.” Not because He wants to frustrate you. But because He’s arranging things. Fixing things. Building things. Preparing things. So that when you arrive at your destination, you’re actually ready for it.
## GOD ALWAYS SEES FURTHER THAN WE DO
One lesson I’ve learned is that God always sees further than we do. That’s the advantage of being God. He already sees tomorrow. What we call the future is His present.
Maybe you want to become the CEO of a multinational company tomorrow. God sees the attacks, pressures, and responsibilities that come with that position. He knows you’re not ready yet. So while you’re complaining about being a bank teller, He’s quietly building your character, your resilience, and your spiritual capacity.
You’re upset. God is preparing.
Or maybe you’re worried because you’re not married yet. Your timeline has expired. Your friends are posting anniversary pictures. Their children are wearing matching Christmas outfits. And you’re wondering: “God, where is my own?” 😄
Please relax. That person you’re wishing for may be a disaster God is protecting you from. And God’s delay may be the very thing preserving your peace.
## HIS TIMING WAS ALWAYS BETTER
I’ve learned that God rarely works according to my schedule. Almost never, actually. 😄
But every time I look back, I realize something: His timing was better. His plan was better. His outcome was better.
So maybe that’s the lesson. Maybe we don’t need to rush as much. Maybe we don’t need to panic every time life doesn’t match our timeline. Maybe we need to trust that the One who created us knows what He’s doing.
Because at the end of the day: God is not in a hurry. And that’s okay.
So perhaps we shouldn’t be in such a hurry either.
The older I get, the more I realize that God’s delays are rarely denials. Sometimes they’re protection, preparation, or redirection. But almost always, they’re working for our good.
So if life isn’t following your timeline right now, take heart. You may be behind your schedule. But you’re never behind God’s. ❤️
**Where in your life are you currently waiting on God’s “wait small”? Tell me in the comments — let’s encourage each other while we wait. 👇**