The Gift of Waiting: When God's Timing Isn't Ours

Have you ever stood in the quiet moments of missionary discussions, or maybe even after an MTC experience, and felt a deep, almost physical wave of hesitation? Maybe you thought, “Well, I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

It’s a feeling every single disciple knows. We are so passionate about the work—about following the Savior and doing the best we can to spread the gospel—that sometimes the sheer magnitude of it can feel overwhelming. We look at the needs of the field, we think about our companions, and we wonder, “Am I enough? Is my timing right?”

If you’ve ever wrestled with imposter syndrome when contemplating a call, please know you are not alone. The beautiful, humbling truth we often forget is that our readiness, and the Lord’s timing, are often two different things. The Lord knows your heart, your talents, and your willingness to serve, regardless of the calendar.

This thought really resonated with me recently, and I wanted to share what I learned. It’s a powerful reminder that even the waiting is part of the preparation.

➤ God Is Aware of You: Trusting the Process

The video above beautifully captured a truth that is foundational to our discipleship: God is aware of us. He sees the willingness to serve, even when the circumstances feel messy or the timing feels off. Sometimes, when we receive a calling—or when we are simply trying to figure out how to best serve in our current assignments—we feel self-conscious. Maybe we worry about our background, or if we’re eloquent enough, or if our family history is 'perfect' enough. It’s a natural tendency to measure ourselves against expectations.

But the message is clear: Our worth is not tied to our current skill level, or even our proximity to the Mission Training Center. Our worth is tied to our willingness to keep walking with Him and to keep the covenant path.

➤ Discipleship Anywhere, All the Time

This truth is what anchors the entire movement of the rogue disciple. We are taught that we don't have to wait for the next formal call, or the next district leader meeting, or the next assignment to feel like we are doing the work. We are called to be Internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time.

So, how do we cultivate that constant, persistent faith when the timing feels uncertain? We practice the patience of the waiting.

The greatest work sometimes happens not when we are actively *doing* something, but when we are actively *trusting* something.

If you're feeling discouraged right now, don't let the timing be the reason you slow down. Instead, channel that energy into small, consistent acts of faith. Here are three ways you can keep growing when you feel you're in a season of waiting:

• Dive into the Word with HolyPlaces: Use our Book Club or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. This is a low-stakes, highly effective way to deepen your understanding of the scriptures and the Book of Mormon. It’s structured study designed for the lay disciple, making it perfect for those who feel they have 'nothing to offer' right now.
• Lean on the AI Investigator (Davee): If you are wrestling with specific questions—maybe about doctrine, or perhaps about a challenging modern-day issue you’re discussing with an investigator—don't hesitate to bring it to Davee. His AI Investigator role is designed to walk you through those hard questions and give you confidence in your answers, making you feel prepared for those missionary discussions.
• Read for Sustained Faith: I highly recommend revisiting the Iron Rod authors. Their writings are filled with stories of sustained faith, reminding us that the Lord is always working, even when we cannot see His hand. Check out LivingBook and find a title that speaks to perseverance.

➤ A Challenge for the Next Wave

The journey to becoming a full-time disciple—whether that means being a pre-missionary, a returned missionary, or a lifelong disciple in your home community—is marked by moments of doubt. Let us commit today to embracing the waiting with joy, knowing that the Lord is aware of our willingness. If you've been feeling the pinch of discouragement, join us for a free weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a chance to practice turning that doubt into devoted action.