05/14/2025
# Let Go of Worry: When God Says "I've Got This" - He May Not Come When You Want Him, But He's Always Right On Time
This title speaks directly to the experience of continuing to worry despite having faith that God will handle our concerns. Let me share some scriptural examples and modern perspectives on this common spiritual challenge.
# # Biblical Examples of Worry Despite Faith
# # # Abraham and Sarah
Abraham received God's promise of a son, yet both he and Sarah grew impatient and worried as years passed. Sarah even laughed in disbelief when angels reiterated the promise (Genesis 18:12). Their attempt to "help" God's plan by having Abraham father a child with Hagar led to complications. Yet God fulfilled His promise through Isaac, demonstrating that His timing is perfect even when we worry.
# # # Moses at the Red Sea
After witnessing God's power through the plagues in Egypt, Moses still panicked at the Red Sea with Pharaoh's army approaching. God's response was clear: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). God then parted the waters, creating a path where there seemed to be none.
# # # Elijah After Mount Carmel
Following his triumph over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled in fear when threatened by Jezebel. Despite witnessing God's power on Mount Carmel, he worried about his safety. God sustained him, spoke to him in a gentle whisper, and reassured him of His continued presence and plan (1 Kings 19).
# # Modern Examples
# # # The Job Seeker
A woman lost her job of fifteen years unexpectedly. Despite praying for guidance and a new position, she spent weeks anxiously checking her phone and email, unable to sleep. Three months later—longer than she expected but perfect timing—she received an offer for a position that paid better and allowed her more time with family. Looking back, she realized the waiting period had been crucial for her personal growth and preparation.
# # # The Medical Diagnosis
A father received concerning test results and immediately prayed for healing. Though he told others he trusted God, he spent nights researching worst-case scenarios online. When follow-up tests were delayed, his anxiety peaked. The results eventually showed a treatable condition, and through the experience, he formed relationships with medical staff that led to meaningful spiritual conversations he wouldn't have had otherwise.
# # Scriptural Guidance on Waiting
# # # Prepare Your Heart
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7). Stillness isn't passive—it's an active posture of readiness and receptivity.
# # # Practice Gratitude Instead of Worry
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
# # # Remember His Faithfulness
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:13-14). David built his confidence on God's past faithfulness.
# # # Trust His Timing
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3).
# # # Redirect Your Focus
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). Active waiting means focusing on God's character rather than our circumstances.
When we continue to worry after praying, it often reveals areas where we're still growing in trust. God uses these waiting periods not as punishment, but as preparation—strengthening our faith, refining our character, and positioning us to receive His best in His perfect timing.
# # God's Perfect Timing
Though not a direct quote from scripture, the beloved saying "He may not come when you want Him, but He's always right on time" perfectly captures these biblical truths:
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9)
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God's timing is perfect because His perspective is eternal. Our impatience and worry reflect our limited vision, while His delays reveal His unlimited wisdom and love. When we trust that He is always right on time—even when it doesn't match our schedule—we find peace in His promises and purpose in our waiting.
