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Missing the Train and Embracing Divine Timing in Everyday Life
Nov 13, 2025by Cheryl Perkins
Introductory Story: “The Missed Train”
A young professional named Maya rushed through the subway, coffee in one hand and laptop bag in the other. Just as she reached the platform, the doors closed and the train pulled away. Frustrated, she sighed—this was her third delay this week. But within minutes, an announcement came: the train she had missed was halted due to a major malfunction. Missing that train saved her from hours of delay and potential danger. As Maya stood on the platform, she felt a quiet nudge in her heart—sometimes what feels like a setback is really a setup.
Many of us have been where Maya stood—on the platform of waiting—between what we planned and what God has purposed. Leadership often tests our patience more than our skill. Yet, the greatest leaders understand thattiming is as vital as vision.
Faith & Leadership Insight
God’s timing is never random—it’sredemptive. Scripture reminds us that“He makes all things beautiful in His time”(Ecclesiastes 3:11). David was anointed king as a teenager butdidn’twear the crown until years later. Joseph’s path to leadership passed through betrayal, slavery, and prison before reaching the palace. Even Jesus said,“My time has not yet come”(John 2:4), revealing that divine timing requires restraint as much as readiness.
For leaders—whether in ministry, education, or business—the principleremains:divine timing is development time. The waiting seasons refine our character, clarify our vision, and strengthen our endurance.
Leadership Principles
Patience is not passivity—it’spreparation.
True leaders use waiting seasons to strengthen capacity and deepen wisdom rather than to grow restless or bitter.
Purpose unfolds in process.
Every delay can become a lesson if we allow it to shape us. Growth happens between the promise and its fulfillment.
Discernmentdeterminesdirection.
Waiting on divine timing sharpens our ability to recognize the right opportunities rather than chase every open door.
Stillness is strategic.
Resting in God’s timing creates internal peace and external clarity. Rushed decisions often lead to regret; wise waiting produces fruit.
Faith fuels focus.
When the outcomeisn’tvisible, faith keeps ussteady—trustingthat God’s unseen hand is orchestrating what our eyescan’tyet perceive.
Reflection Questions
- In what area of your leadership are you tempted to rush the process?
- How might a current “delay” be preparing you for a greater opportunity ahead?
- What disciplines help you stay peaceful and productive while waiting on direction?
- Who in your life models patience and wisdom in seasons of delay? What can you learn from them?
Scripture Focus
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV):“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT):“If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
Psalm 27:14 (ESV):“Wait for the Lord; bestrong, andlet your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Your timing is perfect even when my understanding is limited. Teach me to wait with purpose, to lead with patience, and to trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Help me to align my pace with Your plan and to see every delay as a divine setup for destiny. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Cheryl Perkins
Dr. Cheryl Perkins serves as the Chaplain of Avodah Dynamics, leading with grace, wisdom, and spiritual insight. She guides the Avodah community in faith, prayer, and purpose—helping individuals align their work, worship, and daily walk with divine calling.
Tagged with:Faith & Spiritual Growth
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