Why God is Never Late

If you’re feeling tired from waiting, you’re not alone. We all hit seasons where it feels like nothing is happening, doors aren’t opening, and God is quiet. But sometimes the greatest strength comes not from striving, but from trusting that God is moving behind the scenes. Strength isn’t always about pushing forward—sometimes, it’s found in stillness, surrender, and believing that God’s timing is perfect. God is never late.

When we remember who God is—faithful, present, and powerful—we can find rest even when answers haven’t arrived. The delays we face aren’t denials. They might just be divine appointments in the making.

The Promise of Matthew 6:8: God Knows Your Needs Before You Ask

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:8, "For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." That’s not just a nice thought—that’s a life-altering promise. Before the words ever leave your mouth, before the weight of worry ever hits your shoulders, God already sees you. He already knows what you need. And not just what you think you need, but what you actually need.

That truth brings comfort because it tells us our prayers aren’t about informing God. They’re about aligning our hearts with Him. He’s not waiting for the perfect request or the right formula. He just wants your heart. And when you come to Him, you’re coming to the One who already has the answer in hand.

Hope Begins with a God Who Sees

One of the most comforting names of God in Scripture comes from Hagar’s story. In Genesis 16, after being cast out and left to wander, Hagar encounters God and calls Him "El Roi"—the God who sees. In your waiting, in your wilderness, God sees you. And that’s where hope begins.

When you feel invisible or forgotten, it’s easy to wonder if God cares. But hope doesn’t begin when your circumstances change. It begins when you know you are seen. And the same God who saw Hagar sees you. He knows the whole story, not just the current chapter you’re stuck in.

A WWII Story Reflecting God’s Heart

There was a group of soldiers in World War II who got stuck behind enemy lines. They were low on food, tired, and really discouraged. One night, as they were huddled together to pray, they heard a noise outside. At first, they were on edge—but then they saw him: a local farmer, carrying food and water.

Turns out, he had been quietly watching them for days. He knew they were struggling. And even before they asked for help, he stepped in.

That one act didn’t just meet their physical needs—it gave them hope. It reminded them they weren’t forgotten.

Resting in a God Who is Never Late

I remember a time back years ago when I didn't have the money to start the next semester of Bible College. One night, the week before school was scheduled to start, I couldn't sleep. About two-thirty in the morning, I got up and went to the living room. I sprawled out, flat on my face, and cried out to God. I emptied myself. I had nothing left. I let God know that if He wanted me there, He would have to make it happen.

The next day, a letter arrived in the mail. It was from a friend back home. Along with the letter, there was a check. The amount? You guessed it. Enough to pay for tuition and books for the next semester with a little left over. And then it hit me. The check was mailed before I prayed. God knew what I needed when I needed it.

You may be wondering why God hasn't answered your prayer by now. It’s easy to measure God’s love by how quickly He responds. But real peace comes when we learn to measure His love by the cross, not the calendar. God is never in a rush, and He’s never behind schedule. He is always working for your good, even when you can’t see it yet.

Resting in God’s timing means releasing the fear that you’ll miss out. It means believing that delays aren’t detours. They are opportunities to lean in, press closer, and let God strengthen your heart in the waiting.

When Words Fail, Let God’s Love Be Enough

There will be moments when you won’t know what to say. When your prayers feel weak, and the silence feels loud. In those moments, God’s love doesn’t waver. Romans 8:26 tells us the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us when we don’t have the words.

That’s the beauty of a relationship with God. You don’t have to impress Him. You don’t have to perform. You simply show up, lean in, and let His presence remind you that you are not alone.

Call to Prayer: Sharing Your Burdens

If you’re waiting right now—for a breakthrough, a diagnosis, a job, a relationship to heal—you don’t have to carry it alone. Bring it to God. Trust Him with it. And if you need someone to pray with you, I’d love to stand with you. You can send me a voicemail at https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail or click on Send me a text.

Let’s believe together that God is not late. He’s right on time, and He knows exactly what you need.

Trust His Timing

It takes strength to wait with hope. To believe when you can’t see. But that’s where faith grows deepest. God hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t overlooked your need. And He certainly hasn’t run out of grace.

Let this be your reminder today: He knows. He sees. And He’s never late.

So breathe deep. Release the pressure. And rest in the truth that your God is always faithful, always present, and always right on time.

Listen to the companion devotion episode, "God Knows What You Need."