You’re Not Late

We live in a world that rewards speed. Fast money. Fast answers. Fast success. And when life feels slow—or worse, when nothing seems to be happening at all—it’s easy to feel like we’ve missed our moment.

But what if you’re not behind? What if the delay is divine?

Both the Bible and the Stoics understood something we forget too often: timing isn’t always ours to control, and rushing things can lead to ruin. In this story, I want to remind you—and myself—that being “behind” doesn’t mean being forgotten. Sometimes, the wait is where the real work happens.

In a world where everything moves quickly, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re falling behind. We scroll through social media and see others achieving their dreams, securing their goals, and succeeding at a rapid pace. It’s easy to think that you’ve missed the boat. But the truth is, maybe the boat hasn’t even left the dock yet—and sometimes, waiting at the dock is exactly where you need to be.

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Timing is everything. In the grand scheme of things, what seems like a delay might just be the preparation you need for something greater.

The Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Seneca also believed in the importance of accepting what is beyond our control. Seneca once said, “The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which depends on the morrow and wastes today.” By focusing on what’s next and wishing for immediate success, we risk missing the value of the present moment. What we need to understand is that there is beauty and power in patience.

Think about it: how many stories of success came after a long period of waiting? We hear about great leaders, innovators, and creatives who faced years of struggle before their breakthroughs. In their case, waiting wasn’t just a period of inactivity—it was the incubation period where they learned, grew, and prepared for the success they were destined for.

Your waiting period is not a waste. It’s not a sign that you’re behind; rather, it’s an opportunity. During this time, you might be building the strength, wisdom, or clarity that will serve you later. This delay could be a divine pause, offering you the space you need to become the person ready to receive the blessing ahead.

So, if you’re feeling like you’re stuck, or if the world around you seems to be moving faster than you can keep up with, remember this: Divine timing is not the same as wasted time. The wait is part of the journey. It’s where you’re learning the lessons, developing the character, and refining the skills that will prepare you for what’s next.

Embrace the pause. Trust the process. And know that sometimes, the best things in life come to those who wait.