Lily Path with Ifeoma Odisa UGWU

Last week, we explored what it means to build something for yourself. We talked about discovering your gifts, developing your interests, and stepping into the journey of becoming the woman God created you to be. But even while doing all that, there’s still something that sneaks up on many of us: the feeling of being left behind.

You’re learning, growing, showing up. Yet, when you see others getting job offers, getting married, launching businesses, or going viral online, you start to wonder: God, when will it be my turn?

Let’s talk about that.

The Pressure of Timelines

At 18, you thought you'd be a graduate by 21. At 21, you thought you'd be married by 25. By 25, you thought you’d have a stable income and be thriving. But now, things aren’t exactly looking like your plan. That’s where discouragement begins to whisper: You’re behind.

But whose timeline are we really following?

The world screams "by 25, you should have this and that," but God never rushed anyone into purpose. In Scripture, David was anointed as king while still a shepherd boy—but he didn’t ascend the throne until years later. Jesus Himself started His public ministry at 30. Delay doesn’t mean denial. Preparation seasons often look like "nothing is happening," when in fact, everything is being arranged.

Trusting God’s Process While Still Taking Action

Trust isn’t passive. It doesn’t mean sitting idle. It means obeying faithfully, even when results are not instant. While you wait, keep building. Keep showing up in your craft. Keep praying. Keep sowing seeds of kindness, diligence, and purpose. The harvest will come.

Galatians 6:9 says: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Resist Comparison, Stay Rooted in Purpose

Comparison is one of the fastest ways to drain your joy. Someone else's win is not your loss. Someone else's timing is not your deadline.

God is writing your story with a different pen, pace, and purpose. Stay focused on your lane. It’s not that you’re being delayed—you’re being prepared.

There is peace that comes from trusting God's timing. When you build your life on the understanding that "My times are in Your hands" (Psalm 31:15), you release yourself from the pressure to perform or compete.

So what should you do when you feel left behind?

• Bring your worries to God in prayer.
• Ask Him to open your eyes to the small victories in your life.
• Recount how far you’ve come.
• Encourage others.
• Rest in the truth that God is never late.

Until Next Week, Reflect on This:

1. Where have I allowed comparison to steal my joy?
2. How can I celebrate where I am while still trusting God for more?
3. What small win can I thank God for today?

Pray With Me

Dear Father,
Thank You because You see me. You know my heart, my hopes, and my timeline.
When I feel left behind, help me to trust that Your plans for me are good.
Give me strength to keep building and grace to rejoice in others' wins without losing sight of my own journey.
Teach me patience and grow my faith in this waiting season.
Amen.

With love and prayers,
Your Big Sister in Christ