Devotional: When God is Late

“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 3:9 (further reading)

Devotional: When God is Late

Does anyone remember this clock?

Growing up in the ’80s, Garfield the cat was everywhere—he was the trend. This clock was no exception! Perched on the wall, his tail (the second hand) swung back and forth, making his eyes blink with every tick. It might seem a little creepy now, but 30 years ago, it was a must-have.

Funny enough, this clock is a perfect picture of how I feel when it seems like God is running late—stagnant, bored, and maybe even a little discouraged.

breakthrough still hasn’t come. It’s easy to feel forgotten when the delay stretches longer than you expected.

Martha and Mary knew this feeling well. In John 11, their brother Lazarus was sick, and they sent word to Jesus, fully expecting Him to come and heal him. But Jesus didn’t rush to their side. Instead, He stayed where He was for two more days. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. It seemed like Jesus was too late.

But was He?

Jesus had a greater plan in mind. He wasn’t just going to heal Lazarus—He was going to raise him from the dead. What seemed like a devastating delay was actually a setup for something greater.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” – John 11:40

God’s timing often doesn’t make sense to us. We want immediate answers, but He sees the bigger picture. His delays are not His denials. When it feels like He’s late, remember:

1. God is still working – Just because you don’t see movement doesn’t mean He isn’t moving. (Romans 8:28)
2. God’s timing is perfect – What seems like a delay is often divine preparation. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
3. God’s plan is greater than yours – He doesn’t just want to meet your expectations; He wants to exceed them. (Ephesians 3:20)

If you’re waiting on God right now, don’t lose heart. His “lateness” is often the perfect stage for a miracle. Trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Reflection:

• What are you waiting on God for right now?
• How can you shift your focus from frustration to faith?
• Take a moment to pray and surrender your timeline to Him.

God is never truly late—He’s always right on time.

Stay faithful, stay expectant, and watch what He does.