Trusting God's Timing and Prioritizing Spiritual Health

Summary

God is always on time, never early or late, and He is already present in every moment of our lives—even before we arrive there. We often find ourselves anxious about the future, worrying about our families, careers, health, and relationships, but God has already gone ahead of us. Our challenge is to trust Him with our time and decisions, recognizing that our days are limited and precious. The temptation to please people, to say yes to every demand, can rob us of the fullness of life God intends. When we prioritize the approval of others over obedience to God, we compromise our worship, our peace, and even our health.

Life is like a rope being pulled in both directions: we hustle, we strive, we try to control outcomes, but in doing so, we often miss the present moment and the divine appointments God has set for us. The Word teaches us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. This wisdom is not just about making good choices, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every decision, big or small. When we live to please God rather than people, we experience true freedom, protection, and blessing. Our pattern of life—how we spend our time, what we say yes or no to—reveals our true priorities and shapes our spiritual legacy.

Jesus Himself modeled the boldness to say no, even to good things, in order to say yes to the Father. He withdrew from the crowds to pray, showing us that intimacy with God must never be compromised, no matter the pressures around us. Like Daniel, Nehemiah, and Paul, we are called to be courageous in setting boundaries, refusing distractions, and standing firm in our convictions. The world will always demand more of our time and attention, but only God can give us life in abundance. Each day is an opportunity to align our hearts with His will, to be intentional about our spiritual growth, and to prepare ourselves and our families for eternity.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Timing Surpasses Our Understanding
God is not bound by our schedules or anxieties; He is already present in our tomorrows. Trusting in His timing means releasing our need to control outcomes and believing that He orchestrates every detail for our good. When we rest in this truth, our worries about the future lose their grip, and we can walk in peace and confidence. [49:37]

- People-Pleasing Shortens and Distracts Our Lives
The pursuit of human approval often leads us to neglect God’s calling and even our own well-being. When we say yes to everyone else but no to God, we find ourselves exhausted, spiritually empty, and missing out on divine purpose. True fulfillment comes from prioritizing God’s voice above all others, even when it means disappointing people. [54:47]

- Wisdom Comes from Numbering Our Days and Seeking God’s Guidance
Scripture urges us to recognize the brevity of life and to seek a heart of wisdom. This wisdom is cultivated by inviting the Holy Spirit into every decision, refusing to live on autopilot, and intentionally aligning our daily patterns with God’s will. As we do this, we not only gain clarity for ourselves but also set a powerful example for the next generation. [01:02:17]

- Boldness to Say No is Essential for Spiritual Health
Jesus, Daniel, and Nehemiah all demonstrated the courage to say no to distractions, unhealthy influences, and even good opportunities that were not God’s best. Saying no is not about selfishness, but about protecting our worship, our calling, and our relationship with God. This boldness frees us from the tyranny of urgent demands and positions us to receive God’s protection and blessing. [01:20:48]

- Our Pattern of Life Reveals Our True Priorities
The way we allocate our time—how much we invest in prayer, scripture, worship, and service—shows what truly matters to us. If our pattern is dominated by work, entertainment, or people-pleasing, we risk missing God’s best for our lives. By intentionally assessing and adjusting our routines, we can ensure that our lives are aligned with God’s purposes and that we are ready for His return. [01:29:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[48:58] - God’s Timing and Our Worries
[49:37] - The Challenge of Saying No
[50:32] - Trusting God as Our Investor
[52:29] - Turbulence, Fear, and Faith
[54:05] - Life, Time, and People-Pleasing
[55:40] - The Power of Our Words and Thoughts
[57:30] - Hustling Through Life vs. Living Fully
[59:07] - Jesus Never Leaves Us
[01:02:17] - Numbering Our Days and Gaining Wisdom
[01:07:13] - God is the Owner of Time
[01:08:52] - Pleasing God vs. Pleasing People
[01:12:49] - The Pattern of Life Assessment
[01:16:11] - The Blessing of Uncompromised Worship
[01:20:48] - Jesus’ Example: Saying No to Say Yes
[01:23:34] - Seasons, Assignments, and Boundaries
[01:27:09] - Pleasing God Brings Freedom
[01:29:15] - Assessing and Adjusting Our Priorities
[01:33:35] - Carrying God’s Presence
[01:35:42] - Biblical Examples of Saying No
[01:41:39] - The Pattern of Life and Readiness
[01:43:21] - Responding to God’s Call

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

2. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

3. Luke 12:40 (ESV)
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 90:12, what does the psalmist ask God to teach us, and what is the result of learning this lesson?
2. In Galatians 1:10, what does Paul say about the relationship between pleasing people and serving Christ?
3. The sermon described life as a rope being pulled in both directions, with people hustling and striving. What did the pastor say is often the result of living this way? [[57:30]]
4. In Luke 12:40, what does Jesus warn his followers to be ready for, and why is this important? [[01:08:52]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the psalmist connect numbering our days with gaining a heart of wisdom? How might this change the way someone approaches their daily life? [[01:02:17]]
2. According to the sermon, what are some dangers of prioritizing people-pleasing over obedience to God? [[54:47]]
3. The pastor mentioned that Jesus, Daniel, and Nehemiah all demonstrated the boldness to say no. What does this teach us about setting boundaries in our spiritual lives? [[01:35:42]]
4. What does it mean to be “ready” for the return of Jesus, according to Luke 12:40 and the sermon? How does this readiness show up in our daily patterns and decisions? [[01:08:52]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to assess our “pattern of life.” If someone looked at your weekly schedule, what would they say your true priorities are? Is there anything you want to change? [[01:29:15]]
2. The pastor said, “When we say yes to everyone else but no to God, we find ourselves exhausted, spiritually empty, and missing out on divine purpose.” Can you think of a recent time when you said yes to something or someone at the expense of your time with God? How did it affect you? [[54:47]]
3. Jesus modeled the boldness to say no, even to good things, in order to say yes to the Father. Is there a “good” thing in your life that you might need to say no to in order to protect your relationship with God? What would it look like to make that change? [[01:20:48]]
4. The sermon encouraged us to invite the Holy Spirit into every decision, big or small. What is one area of your life where you need to seek God’s guidance more intentionally this week? [[01:02:17]]
5. The pastor talked about the temptation to please people—family, friends, coworkers, even children. Who in your life do you find it hardest to say no to? How can you practice saying yes to God first in those situations? [[01:14:53]]
6. The message said, “Our pattern of life—how we spend our time, what we say yes or no to—reveals our true priorities and shapes our spiritual legacy.” What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave for your family or those around you? What is one step you can take this week to move toward that legacy? [[01:29:15]]
7. The pastor asked the group to do a “pattern of life assessment.” Would you be willing to track how you spend your time for one week and share what you learn with the group next time? What do you hope to discover? [[01:29:15]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Numbering Our Days for Wisdom
Recognizing the brevity of life helps us seek God’s wisdom and prioritize what truly matters. When we realize that our days are limited, we are moved to ask God to teach us how to use our time wisely, not wasting it on people-pleasing or distractions, but instead seeking His guidance in every decision. This perspective shifts our focus from hustling through life to living intentionally, making each day count for God’s purposes. As we mature, we learn that wisdom comes from inviting the Holy Spirit to direct our steps, and that numbering our days is a call to live with purpose and discernment. [01:02:17]

Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Reflection: What is one area of your daily routine where you can intentionally invite God’s wisdom instead of just going through the motions or trying to please others?


Day 2: Pleasing God Over People
Choosing to please God rather than people brings true freedom and aligns us with our calling as servants of Christ. The pressure to win approval from others can be overwhelming, but Scripture reminds us that if we are still trying to please people, we cannot fully serve Christ. When we prioritize worship and obedience to God, we experience His protection, blessing, and presence in our lives and families. This may require boldness to say no to demands that compromise our devotion, but the reward is a life covered by God’s favor and peace. [01:15:39]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your life do you most struggle to say “no” to, and how can you take one step this week to prioritize God’s approval over theirs?


Day 3: The Boldness to Say No
Jesus modeled the importance of setting boundaries and saying no—even to good things—so that He could say yes to time with the Father. There are seasons when the demands of life, work, and even ministry can crowd out our time with God, but Jesus Himself withdrew from the crowds to pray, showing us that it is not only acceptable but necessary to say no to some things in order to say yes to God. Following His example, we are called to be bold in protecting our spiritual health and not let the expectations of others dictate our devotion. [01:20:48]

Luke 5:15-16 (ESV)
"But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."

Reflection: What is one activity or commitment you need to say “no” to this week so you can create space for prayer or time with God?


Day 4: Trusting God’s Timing
God is the owner of time, and trusting His timing brings peace in the midst of life’s turbulence. We often worry about the future—our health, family, or career—but God has already been where we are going. When we surrender our anxieties and recognize that God orchestrates every season, we can rest in His faithfulness and stop striving to control outcomes. Instead of hustling through life, we are invited to live in the present, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that He is always with us, never abandoning us. [49:37]

Psalm 90:4 (ESV)
"For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night."

Reflection: What is one worry about the future you can release to God today, trusting that He is already there and in control?


Day 5: Saying Yes to God, No to Distractions
A life aligned with God’s will requires intentionality to say yes to Him and no to the distractions and patterns of this world. The world constantly pulls us in many directions, but Scripture calls us not to conform to its patterns but to be transformed by God’s renewing work. This means assessing our “pattern of life” and making bold decisions to prioritize worship, prayer, and the Word, so that our lives reflect God’s light wherever we go. When we say yes to God, we carry His presence and become agents of His glory in every environment. [01:30:32]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Take a few minutes to assess your weekly schedule—what is one practical change you can make to ensure your pattern of life reflects a “yes” to God?

Quotes

And trust me when I tell you, my time is not God's time. And God is moving, God is orchestrating, God is doing amazing things in our lives. And if you're analytical, I want you to think about this very quickly. So I catch a flight from Atlanta to Panama City. The flight is one hour. I leave at 11 p.m. Atlanta. I arrive in Panama City that's one hour away at 11 p.m. How could that be? Some of you guys got it. Some of you are like, hey, hey. That happened to me. Because time is a precious thing. And what God ministered to me is that sometimes, Jante, we worry so much about what's going to happen. What's going to happen to my kid. What's going to happen to my relationship. What's going to happen to my business. What's going to happen to my life. What's going to happen to my future. What's going to happen to my health. But God's already been there. How many thank God for that? God's already been there. Before I even got there, God was already there waiting for me. [00:48:50] (70 seconds)  #GodsTimingIsPerfect Edit Clip

``If you're not praying, you're not getting ready. Can I say that again? If you're not praying, you're not getting ready. Because prayer is the language of heaven. So if I can't pray, there's nothing you can tell me that you're getting ready because you're not. [01:10:05] (18 seconds)  #PrayerIsPreparation Edit Clip

We have a rule in our home that we followed over the last, how many years we've been married? 30? 29. In the name of Jesus, we're going to be 30. Oh, we're going to be 29? I already see the 30 in the name of Jesus. It's a rule, Jermaine, in our house. We do not compromise our worship for anyone in our house. Thank you, man. We do not compromise our worship for anyone in our house. And our kids know that. And that's how the blessings have come. That's how the boldness has come. That's how the power and the presence of God, the protection of God has come. [01:15:48] (49 seconds)  #UncompromisedWorship Edit Clip

If you prioritize worship in your home, that covers your children. It's like a covering, right? You're in the business of insurance and all that. That covers it. It covers that prophetic principle, coverage them. A daughter could be in New York, right? My son could be in youth camp today. But that prophetic word of God principle covers them wherever they're at. But I can't expect to see the harvest. I can't expect to see all these things that God has promised in our lives if I constantly say no to God and yes to people. [01:18:47] (43 seconds)  #WorshipCoversFamily Edit Clip

Saying yes to everything means saying no to God, God's best. Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse 1. It says, there is a time for everything and a season for everything, every activity under the sun or under heaven. I wonder how many of us are following our God-given assignment on this earth versus just people's assignments that they placed on me. [01:23:44] (36 seconds)  #SayNoToPeopleYesToGod Edit Clip

Romans chapter 12, verse 2 gives us a warning. It says, do not copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you. Then you will learn to know God's will for you. Is it God's will for me to do this? Is it God's will to be invested in this? Is it God's will to be to buy a home now? Is it God's will for me to do this and do this and do that? And we get so stressful when we should just be tapping into God, tapping into Him, asking Him to guide us, asking Him to lead us. Transform by letting God transform us. [01:31:00] (50 seconds)  #HolySpiritKnowsYou Edit Clip