Hosea 6:3(NLT)
“Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
As believers and followers of Christ, sometimes it is necessary for us to remind ourselves of the truths that help us remain anchored in faith, especially when we’re still waiting on the fruition of a blessing. A young believer, recognizing that I’ve been on this Christian journey for a long time, asked me how long I waited before witnessing the manifestation of the blessing of marriage. She remarked, “It seems to take a very long time to hear a response from the Lord when I pray.” A lot of single women feel this way, but God encourages us through His Word to change the way we think about this and renew our minds to what He says. Scripture reminds us that our Heavenly Father will respond. It’s really never about whether He’ll respond; He always does. It’s about our willingness to hear and obey.
There’s a familiar saying: “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always right on time.” While this saying is well-meaning, it can also lead people to conclude that God sometimes leaves them hanging—that He allows them to endure hardship and takes His sweet time to rescue them. That isn’t God’s heart, and we can be sure of this. How many good and rational parents would treat their children in that way? Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:11 (NLT), “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. His timing is not meant to be a source of frustration but a reflection of His wisdom and love. Just as a parent would never make their child wait unnecessarily for what they need, our Heavenly Father is always attentive and caring. He knows exactly when and how to deliver His best for us. The truth is, God’s timing is perfect because He understands the bigger picture—what we need, when we need it, and how it will bless us and others.
So, rather than feeling as though God is making us wait indefinitely, we can trust that His timing is part of His good plan for our lives. He is always right on time, not according to our schedule, but according to His perfect Will.
There have been too many times when I’ve rushed through life because I was eager to get somewhere quickly, in a hurry to satisfy my own desires. But this mindset only leads to confusion and regret. I think this happens to many single Christian women, especially when it comes to meeting someone and desiring marriage. We want the man to show up in our lives when we think we’re ready. But God’s timing is different. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (MSG) says, “And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.”
It’s easy to focus on what we think is missing, but the truth is that where we are right now is where God has placed us, and He has a purpose for this season. Rather than rushing ahead or wishing for something different, we can live fully in the present, trusting that God is shaping us exactly where we are. Our worth and identity aren’t defined by our relationship status, but by who we are in Christ.
Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 16:24-25 (MSG), “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” God’s plan for our lives unfolds in His perfect timing, and we can rest in the assurance that He is always working for our good.
Anyone who tries to do things their own way, focusing too much on personal gratification and their own timing, will eventually lose what they worked so hard to obtain. However, our Lord and Savior teaches that those who surrender their own desires and ways and allow him to take the lead will ultimately discover what true living is all about. It’s not about us; it’s about seeking, searching, and finding the greatest love of all. That love is found, and will always be found, in service to God’s Kingdom.
God is never late. When the single woman realizes this, she will discover that she doesn’t have to rush through life or try to figure things out on her own timing. Our Heavenly Father desires the absolute best for all of us who love and honor Him. He wants the single Christian to experience the love of their life. But even more than that, He has given us the roadmap on how to get there. We must get out of our own way and allow the love of Christ in our hearts to lead the way. When we do this, we’ll never be disappointed. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
“God Is Never Late!”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.