What Happens When You TRUST God’s Timing?
(A sermon inspired by the teaching style of Joel Osteen)
Introduction: God Is Never Late
We live in a world that wants everything now. Fast food. Fast internet. Instant results. But God doesn’t work on our timetable—He works on His divine schedule.
The Scripture says in Ecclesiastes 3:11,
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Notice it doesn’t say our time. It says His time.
When you trust God’s timing, you step into peace instead of pressure. You stop trying to force what only God can fulfill. And when you understand this truth, it changes how you walk through seasons of waiting.
Today, let’s look at what happens when you truly trust God’s timing.
1. God Develops You Before He Delivers to You
The Bible says in Isaiah 60:22,
“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
That tells me two things:
-
There is a right time.
-
God Himself will make it happen.
Before the promise arrives, preparation must take place.
Look at David. He was anointed king in 1 Samuel 16, but he didn’t sit on the throne until years later. Between the anointing and the appointing, there were battles, tests, and growth.
God was developing his character in the pasture before placing him in the palace.
Some of you have been anointed for something greater—but you’re still in the pasture. Don’t despise the small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10 says,
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
The delay is not punishment. It’s preparation.
2. God Is Working Behind the Scenes
Just because you don’t see movement doesn’t mean God isn’t moving.
Romans 8:28 says,
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”
Not some things. All things.
Consider Joseph. In Genesis 37, he received a dream from God. But instead of immediate promotion, he was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and later imprisoned.
From the outside, it looked like the dream was dead.
But in Genesis 50:20, Joseph said,
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
God was positioning him for influence in Egypt at exactly the right time.
If God had promoted Joseph too early, he wouldn’t have been ready. If the famine hadn’t come at the appointed time, his leadership wouldn’t have been needed.
God’s timing aligned:
-
The dream
-
The famine
-
The promotion
All at once.
And He’s aligning things in your life too.
3. Waiting Strengthens Your Faith
Psalm 27:14 says,
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Waiting isn’t weakness. Waiting is strength under control.
In Hebrews 6:15, it says about Abraham:
“After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”
Abraham was promised a son in Genesis 12, but Isaac wasn’t born until decades later in Genesis 21.
Why the delay?
Because God was building a faith that could sustain a nation.
Sometimes the promise is big, and the process must be long enough to prepare you.
When you trust God’s timing:
-
Your faith grows deeper.
-
Your roots grow stronger.
-
Your confidence shifts from circumstances to God’s character.
4. God’s Timing Protects You
We often get frustrated when doors close. But sometimes those closed doors are divine protection.
Psalm 84:11 says,
“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
If it hasn’t happened yet, maybe it’s not good for you yet.
How many times have we prayed for something, only to later thank God He didn’t answer it when we wanted?
A relationship too early.
A business opportunity without wisdom.
A promotion before maturity.
God sees dangers we don’t see.
In John 11, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus delayed going to him. From a human standpoint, it seemed too late. But in John 11:6, it says Jesus stayed two more days where He was.
Why? Because God had a greater miracle in mind.
If Jesus had arrived earlier, He would have healed Lazarus. But because He arrived later, He resurrected him.
Sometimes God delays the lesser miracle to bring a greater one.
5. When It Happens, It Will Be Worth the Wait
Habakkuk 2:3 says,
“Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
That sounds contradictory—but it means it won’t miss its appointed time.
When God does it:
-
It won’t be forced.
-
It won’t bring confusion.
-
It won’t require manipulation.
It will come with peace.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
There is a proper time.
Not random.
Not accidental.
Proper.
Practical Keys to Trusting God’s Timing
-
Stay faithful where you are.
Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful in little will be faithful in much.” -
Keep praising before the promise.
Acts 16:25 — Paul and Silas praised God before their breakthrough came. -
Refuse comparison.
John 21:22 — Jesus told Peter, “What is that to you? You follow Me.” -
Speak life over your future.
Proverbs 18:21 — “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
Closing: God Is Right On Time
You may feel forgotten. Overlooked. Delayed.
But hear this truth:
God is never late. He’s intentional.
The same God who orchestrated:
-
Abraham’s promise
-
Joseph’s promotion
-
David’s kingship
-
Lazarus’ resurrection
Is orchestrating your story.
When you trust God’s timing:
-
You walk in peace.
-
You grow in faith.
-
You avoid unnecessary battles.
-
You step into blessings that last.
Stay faithful. Stay hopeful. Stay patient.
Because at the right time — not a second early, not a second late —
God will make it happen.
And when He does, you’ll look back and say,
“He made everything beautiful in its time.”
