Do It Anyway: Trusting God's Timing

What if the very thing you feel unready for is the exact thing God wants you to step into?

Jesus was asked to do things He didn’t necessarily feel ready to do. Picture Him in the earliest days of His ministry. He had just called His first disciples. We pick up the story at a wedding feast with His guys—relaxing, enjoying some of His last moments of “normal,” fully aware that soon He would travel, suffer, and ultimately die on the cross for each one of us.

Since He knew what was ahead, did He savor this special evening more? Maybe, on a night full of twinkling stars, laughter, dancing, and joy—when two friends formally embraced their newfound love—all He wanted was to embrace that moment. The calm before the storm. Perhaps He simply wanted to be.

But then, after a full evening of celebration, the wine runs out. Mary, His mother, already knows her Son is special, that He has miraculous power. She pulls Him in. Jesus responds, “Dear woman, why are you telling me this? It is not yet time for me to begin my work.” Ignoring Him (God bless mothers!), Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” and leaves.

Jesus had a choice. He didn’t feel it was His time. Perhaps He didn’t think He was ready. But what He did astounds me: He chose to trust God’s timing and move forward anyway.

It might not have been Jesus’ timing, but He trusted that it was God’s. So He looked at six stone water jars and turned the water inside them into the very best wine of the night. It was His first public miracle—unplanned, yet powerful. Scripture tells us, “He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him” (John 2:1-11).

I love this story because it reminds me that sometimes the timing never feels quite right—whether it’s working out, making space to connect with God daily, reaching for something better or healthier, or starting something I’ve felt called to begin. This story tells me: do it anyway.

If we wait for convenience, for the green light, for every detail to line up perfectly, we may never go. There will always be obstacles and roadblocks. But doing the good we know we ought to do matters to God.

Consider James 4:17: “In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.”

And what is evil? It’s the gunk that clouds our vision of God, the mess that weighs on our souls and keeps us awake at night. That’s a far steeper price to pay than overcoming fear, laziness, insecurity, or comfort to take the step forward.

So if God has put something on your heart, don’t be afraid to start. If He has called you to it, the obstacles will be overcome. Lean into Him, take a deep breath, and leap into the unknown. I can tell you firsthand—beautiful things happen when we do.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT: What is something good you feel nudged to do but haven’t started yet? Even if it’s inconvenient or challenging, make space this week and begin. And hold onto this truth when you feel overwhelmed: “I can do everything God asks me to with the hope of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Philippians 4:13).

PRAYER: Lord, thank you that you equip me in advance for whatever it is you are calling me to. I don't always understand your timing or how you will work, but I know you are faithful; you will make me victorious. Thank you for opportunities to learn greater trust and dependence on you. And thank you in advance for the situations, people and scriptures you will put around me to prepare my way. I love you Papa. Amen.

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.

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