Just Right and Right on Time

“[God] does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NCV)

Fast is not always best.

In fact, impatience reveals a lack of trust. When I get impatient with God, I'm saying, “God, I don’t really trust you. I don’t think you have my best interests at heart. You don’t know how badly I need this, and I’m in a hurry!” I get worried and I get hurried because I don’t trust God to do it at the right time and in the right way.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that God “does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing” (NCV). God has a plan for my life. But he also has a timetable for it—and he never has to explain his timing.

One of the most painful things in life is when I'm in a hurry and God is not. Part of growing up as a child is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet.” Part of growing in maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ is learning the same lesson with God: A delay is not a denial. God always knows the right time and the right way.

One day, the disciples asked Jesus when he would return to restore his kingdom on earth. Jesus told them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates. . . . But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 NIV).

The disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, and God said, “Let’s talk about evangelism!” God wanted them to focus on what mattered most and leave the timing to him.

In Summary:

God operates on a perfect timetable, even when it doesn’t align with my own sense of urgency. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds me that while I may not fully understand God's ways, His timing is always right. Impatience, especially in my relationship with God, often stems from a lack of trust—believing He’s not moving fast enough or doesn't grasp my needs. But spiritual maturity means recognizing that “not yet” is not the same as “no.” Trusting God's timing requires faith that He knows what’s best, even when it feels delayed.

Jesus emphasized this when His disciples asked about the end times—He redirected them from speculation about timing to the importance of mission, encouraging them to focus on spreading the gospel (Acts 1:7–8). Similarly, God’s promises may take time to manifest, but as Habakkuk 2:3 assures, they will come at just the right moment. Rather than despairing over delays, I am called to trust, be patient, and stay focused on what matters most: living with purpose and sharing God’s love, knowing that His plan is unfolding exactly as it should.