🙏🏽You Can’t Hurry God: He May Not Come When You Want Him, But He’s Always on Time

MR Hearst
Sep 24, 2025
3 min read

By Michelle R. Hearst | Daily Bread Café For You

We live in a world where everything is rushed. Fast food, instant downloads, same-day shipping—patience is quickly becoming a lost art. But in the kingdom of God, timing doesn’t bend to our clocks or calendars. God moves in His perfect season, and while we may grow weary in the waiting, we must remember this unshakable truth: You can’t hurry God. He may not come when you want Him, but He will always be right on time.

The Struggle of Waiting

If we’re honest, waiting on God can be one of the most challenging parts of our walk of faith.

We pray. We fast. We sow seeds of obedience. Yet, when the answer doesn’t arrive immediately, doubt begins to creep in.

“Did God hear me?”
“Did I miss His will?”
“Why is this taking so long?”

But Scripture reminds us: “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 KJV).

God is never late. His timing may feel delayed compared to our desires, but in heaven’s schedule, He is always perfectly punctual.

God’s Timing Is Protective

Sometimes the wait is God’s way of protecting us. If He gave us what we asked for too soon, it could overwhelm us, mislead us, or even destroy us. Just like a parent doesn’t hand car keys to a 12-year-old, God withholds certain blessings until we are prepared to handle them. What feels like a “no” is often a loving “not yet.”

God’s Timing Prepares Us

The waiting season is never wasted. While we’re waiting, God is working. He uses delays to build our faith, strengthen our character, and deepen our dependence on Him. Think of Joseph, who waited years in prison before stepping into the palace—or Abraham, who waited decades for the promise of Isaac. Their wait wasn’t punishment; it was preparation.

God’s Timing Brings Glory

When God finally shows up, He does it in a way that leaves no doubt that He alone deserves the glory. The Red Sea didn’t part too soon. Lazarus wasn’t raised while still sick—he was called out of the grave after four days. Why? Because God wanted His power, not human effort, to be the testimony.

Trusting the God Who Knows Best

Waiting is not easy, but it is fruitful when our trust is anchored in Him. The next time you find yourself anxious, remember:

His delays are not denials.
His timing is perfect, even when it feels inconvenient.
His promises are sure, and He is faithful to fulfill every one of them.

You Can't Hurry God

He may not come when you want Him, but He will always be on time.

There’s a timeless truth every believer eventually learns: God’s timing is not our timing. In moments of waiting, it’s easy to feel as if God is late, silent, or even absent. But scripture consistently reminds us that His delays are not denials—they are divine preparations.

Think about Abraham and Sarah, who waited decades for the promised child. Or Joseph, who endured betrayal, prison, and years of uncertainty before stepping into his God-ordained purpose. Even Lazarus was left in the tomb four days before Jesus arrived—and yet, Jesus’ “delay” led to an even greater miracle.

When we grow impatient, we must remember this: God is never bound by our clocks. He operates from eternity, where He sees the full picture. While we may be focused on the “now,” God is aligning circumstances, shaping our hearts, and preparing us to steward the blessing when it comes.

The truth is—you can’t hurry God. But you can trust Him. And when He shows up, it will always be right on time.

💭 Reflection Questions

What situation in your life are you tempted to “hurry” God in right now?
How have you seen God’s timing prove better than your own in the past?
What spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, journaling, fasting) can help you grow in patience during seasons of waiting?

So don’t hurry God. Instead, walk in faith, trust His process, and rest in the assurance that He may not come when you want Him, but He will always be right on time.

🌿 Prayer Declaration

Lord, help me to rest in Your perfect timing. Even when I don’t understand the delays, I choose to trust that You are working all things together for my good and for Your glory. Strengthen my faith as I wait on You. Amen.