Wait, Don’t Rush…
The Journey is Shorter When You Wait on God
Beloved Friend,
Last week, I had an interesting experience that got me thinking deeply. Picture this: I had just closed from work, and it was one of those evenings in Lagos where getting a bus feels like being in a Hunger Games arena. My usual route had no buses in sight, and I suddenly heard a conductor calling out a familiar bus stop. “Aha! That one is closer,” I thought. Without asking too many questions, I hopped on the bus.
Now, here’s where it gets funny (or not). I had never followed that route before. I’m not exactly a Lagos geographer, so I wasn’t sure of the next bus to take after getting to this “familiar” bus stop. Still, FOMO (fear of missing out) made me jump in first and figure it out later.
Midway through the journey, I decided to text my sister for help since she frequents that area. I could have asked her before boarding, but, you know, what if the bus leaves? Long story short, I got home ridiculously late, completely stressed out, and silently regretting my impulsiveness.
While sitting through that detour, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Ecclesiastes 10:15: “The labor of fools wearies them, for they do not know the way to the city.” And it clicked; how many times have I gone through unnecessary stress in life simply because I failed to seek counsel, whether from God or wise people?
Sometimes, in our haste to make decisions, we act like we’re on a timer, forgetting that God isn’t moved by panic or deadlines. He’s a God of order, not chaos. The enemy loves to rush us, much like scammers who pressure their victims with “act now or lose everything” tactics. But as believers, we’re called to move with intention, not anxiety.
Yes, scripture says, “Strike while the iron is hot” (Proverbs 10:5, in essence), but the same Bible also warns us in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” Waiting on God or seeking wise counsel before making decisions is not old school; it’s wisdom.
If I had waited for the right bus or at least asked my sister before boarding, I’d have gotten home earlier and saved myself the stress. Isn’t that how life works too? Many times, we take routes that “seem” right because we’re in a hurry, only to find ourselves delayed and exhausted. Patience isn’t wasting time, it’s time invested in the right direction.
This is especially important as we approach a new year. Let’s not enter it like headless chickens, rushing into decisions or projects without clarity. The world’s mantra might be “time is money,” but our guide is the Lord. Isaiah 30:21 reminds us: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”
Does this mean we have to fast and pray over every little thing? Not necessarily. God has given us His Spirit, wisdom, and common sense for our daily decisions. But when the path isn’t clear, pause. Wait. Seek His direction. Even if it feels like you’re losing time, remember that God makes all things beautiful in their time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Let’s also be reminded of Elijah, who kept sending his servant to look for rain. At first, there was nothing, but when the servant finally saw a small cloud the size of a man’s hand, Elijah didn’t hesitate, he acted on God’s timing, not his feelings. (1 Kings 18:41-45).
Perhaps you’ve found yourself on a path that feels more like a detour than the destination God intended; maybe it’s in your career, relationships, or life choices. I want you to know this: there is no such thing as wasted time in God’s hands. He is the God who redeems time and seasons. He restores the years that the locusts, cankerworms, and caterpillars have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Even now, as we approach a new year, He is ready to bring beauty out of brokenness and purpose out of what seems like pointless wandering. But here’s the thing: will you trust Him enough to let Him? Or will you keep going your own way, hoping that maybe this time it will work out?
The same God who spoke the world into existence is still speaking over you. And His promise remains; He will guide you, direct you, and even rewrite the story if you’ll surrender it to Him. Trust that with Him, it’s never too late, and it’s never over until He says it is.
Beloved, as we prepare for the new year, don’t let the rush of others push you into taking steps without clarity. Remember, there’s no reward for speed if you’re heading in the wrong direction. God’s grace is sufficient to lead you, strengthen you, and establish you on the right path. Trust Him enough to wait when you need to and move when He says go.
As we approach the Christmas season, let’s also remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us and restore what was lost. In this season of joy, let’s not forget that He is the ultimate restorer of time and seasons. Just as He entered our world to bring us hope, peace, and new beginnings, He is still bringing beauty out of our brokenness, even now.
May this Christmas remind us of the hope that comes with trusting in God’s perfect timing and grace. As we celebrate, let’s rejoice not just in the festivities, but in the fact that God is with us, guiding us through every season of our lives.
Merry Christmas to you, dear friend! May your heart be filled with peace, joy, and clarity as you walk into the new year with renewed strength.
May this week be filled with clarity, peace, and divine direction for you. Oh, and the next time you hear someone shout your bus stop, maybe pause to check if it’s the right bus first!
With thoughts of kindness,
ABBA’s Shofar