Earlier today, I went live on Facebook to share something that’s been burning in my heart: the fear of being late for God’s plan. So many of us carry this quiet worry that we’ve missed it—that the opportunity has passed or that our mistakes have set us back too far. But here’s the truth I shared: you cannot outrun God’s sovereignty. His plan isn’t fragile, and your story isn’t off course. The very place you’re standing in right now is not outside His plan—it’s part of it. -Pastor Marcus
1. God’s Timing Is Perfect
We often wrestle with impatience, feeling like we’ve missed “the moment.” Yet, throughout Scripture, we see that God never rushes and never delays. Abraham waited decades for the promise of a son; Jesus waited until Lazarus was dead four days before coming to resurrect him. To human eyes, that was too late—but to God, it was the perfect moment to reveal His glory. When you feel behind, remember: God doesn’t measure time the way we do. You are exactly where He intends you to be in this season.
2. Closed Doors Are Divine Redirection
A closed opportunity often feels like failure, but in God’s hands, it is protection. Paul was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit” to preach in Asia (Acts 16:6-7), only to be redirected to Macedonia where the gospel spread mightily. Sometimes we grieve what didn’t work out, but in hindsight, we see that God was steering us to something greater. A shut door isn’t you being late—it’s God rerouting you to the right place at the right time.
3. Peace in the Waiting
Waiting can be exhausting, especially when culture tells us to “hustle” and not waste time. Yet, God gives peace even in stillness. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” If you can rest in God rather than striving anxiously, it’s evidence that you’re still inside His timing. His peace is the anchor that proves you’re not behind—you’re being held exactly where He wants you.
4. God Redeems What Seems Lost
One of the enemy’s greatest lies is: “It’s too late for you.” But God specializes in redemption. Joel 2:25 promises restoration of lost years—time eaten away by mistakes, setbacks, or even sin. Think of Moses, who fled into the wilderness at 40, thinking his purpose was over, only to be called at 80 to deliver Israel. In God’s hands, no time is wasted. He weaves even detours into His design, and He can bring you further in a short season than years of striving on your own.
5. Preparation Seasons Are Holy
When nothing seems to be happening, God is shaping your character for what’s coming. David’s battles with lions and bears prepared him for Goliath. Joseph’s years in prison prepared him to lead Egypt. What looks like “delay” is often the classroom of God, molding you to carry His assignment well. If you’re in preparation, you’re not late—you’re being refined.
6. Your Journey Is Uniquely Scripted
Comparison convinces us we’re behind. We look at peers who are “ahead” in career, family, or ministry and assume we’ve missed it. But Psalm 139:16 says God wrote out all our days before we lived a single one. Your pace is intentional. What looks like delay compared to others may be divine pacing—God making sure your steps align with His perfect story for you. You are not late because your script was never meant to match theirs.
7. God’s Purposes Are Still Unfolding
As long as you’re breathing, God’s plan for you is active. Moses began leading at 80, Abraham fathered nations at 100, and Jesus completed His mission in just 3 years of ministry. The timeline is not what validates your purpose—God’s call does. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23), meaning you always have another chance to step into His will. You haven’t missed it—you’re still being written into His unfolding story.
✨ Closing Reflection
You are not late for God’s plan. What you call delay, He calls preparation. What you see as wasted years, He sees as seeds planted. What feels like a dead end, He sees as the beginning of resurrection. Rest in the truth that His plan cannot be thwarted—not by time, not by mistakes, not by missed chances.