Trusting the Process: Finding Peace in God’s Timing
August greetings friends! I am in a season rich with reflection and anticipation. This time of year, with its natural transitions, is a beautiful mirror of the divine rhythm of God. Sisters, our Lord is never late, never early, but always precisely on time.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Creation Museum and Noah's Ark. Amazing experiences and highly recommended. Choosing to immerse myself in profound themes of water, obedience, and God's sovereign hand has been a gift.
While on my adventures, in a small shop, I chose to purchase a petite necklace with the word “grace” inscribed in it. I need a constant reminder to create spaces of grace in my life. This simple piece of jewelry has become a powerful symbol of my journey, reminding me to balance kindness with firm boundaries. For myself, with God, and in relationship with others. I appreciate Leslie and Susan’s’ blog topics these last few weeks!!
Just as Noah faithfully built the Ark, trusting in God's guidance amidst the criticisms, rolled eyes, and rising waters, I too have experienced unexpected challenges and difficult conversations on my journey. Each glance at my necklace affirms the delicate balance of showing undeserved kindness without enabling bad behavior.
Witnessing the grandeur of the Ark, a testament to unwavering faith and obedience, reminds me that even when our plans falter or fail, God's hand is ever-present, guiding us with passion, purpose, and love.
Whether standing in awe of creation at the museums or facing the trials of daily life, I am aware that God’s hand weaves together a tapestry of purpose and grace. My understanding falls short, for sure. Yet, I will choose to find peace, knowing that His timing is always perfect.
Today’s Question:
I heard a term on a Facebook Live you all did recently about “trusting the process” There are so many areas in my life where I struggle with this. Can you help me understand this concept biblically? How can I find peace and trust in God's timing when my plans and schedules don’t go as expected?
LeAnne's Response:
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reaching out! The concept of “trusting the process” is challenging to embrace, especially when life doesn’t go as planned. It is a choice we make.
Perhaps, “trusting the process” means having faith that God is actively working in your life, even when things seem chaotic or unclear. Believing that every moment, twist, and turn is part of God’s greater plan for you. For His glory and for your growth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a foundation for this idea: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse encourages us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own and trust that He is guiding our steps.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, reminds us, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Every phase of our lives, including times of waiting and uncertainty, has its place in God’s perfect timeline.
Finding Peace in God’s Timing
Finding peace in God’s timing involves shifting our perspective and embracing a few key concepts. There are different ways we can view time:
Time as a Gift: View each moment as a precious gift from God. Psalm 118:24 encourages us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” By focusing on the present and appreciating it, we can find joy, peace, and contentment.
Time as an investment: Consider how you’re investing your time. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Invest your time in meaningful activities that align with your values.
Time as Flow: Sometimes, it’s best to go with the flow and trust that God is directing your path. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Trust that God is guiding you, even when the path seems uncertain.
Practical Steps to Trust the Process
Shift Your Mindset: Accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Consider the story of Joseph, whose journey from the pit to the palace was filled with unexpected turns. Despite the hardships, God’s plan was always at work (Genesis 50:20).
Stay Grounded in Faith: Make time for prayer and scripture. These practices help you stay connected to God’s promises and provide comfort during uncertain times. Jesus often withdrew to pray, highlighting the importance of staying spiritually nourished (Luke 5:16).
Reflect on the Past: Think about times when things didn’t go as planned but eventually worked out. Reflecting on these experiences can strengthen your trust in God’s process. The Israelites’ journey through the desert is a powerful reminder of God’s provision and guidance (Exodus 13:21-22).
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Sharing your journey with others can encourage and remind you of God’s faithfulness. The early church in Acts is a beautiful example of believers supporting one another (Acts 2:42-47).
If you need more support, Join us for a free training on August 15th. “I'm Not Okay When You're Not Okay”: Defining my problem, your problem, and our problem.” You can save your spot at https://leslievernick.com/joinwebinar
Practicing gratitude: Shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance of blessings in your life, fostering contentment and trust. I challenge you to journal three things each day for which you are thankful. Make notes as well of prayers lifted, answered, and unanswered. Keep this journal for a week or two and become aware of the promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 advises us to turn our worries over to God through prayer, with the assurance that His peace will guard our hearts and minds: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Trusting the process and finding peace in God’s timing is a journey we will be on for a lifetime. I see you, hear you, and feel your heart, friend. I look forward to continuing this conversation.
Have you ever felt like time was against you, where no matter how hard you tried, things just didn’t seem to fall into place? How did you navigate that season, and what helped you find peace and balance? Share your stories and insights in the comments below—I can't wait to read about your journeys!
11 Comments
Leave a Comment
Ask Your Question
Have a blog question you'd like to submit?
Submit
Your Question
Each week, Leslie & Co. answers an anonymous reader question on the blog. Due to the volume of questions we receive, we cannot answer every one. Please submit your question below:
Read More
Is Porn Use Abuse?
Hello, Friends! I live near my state’s only professional ballet company and I spent Saturday evening enjoying the latest show. Two weeks ago, I was invited into the studio to watch a rehearsal for that show with a few other lucky patrons. At that time, the dancers had only undergone 4 days of rehearsal. That…
My Husband’s Sexual Addiction is Killing Me
Hi Friends, Thanks for all the lively comments on the blog post about the video, Fred et Marie. I love the community spirit fostered here as well as you sharing your experiences, praying for one another and giving encouragement and support to those who are just waking up and realizing that their marriage is in trouble….
Implementing The Emotionally Destructive Marriage: Is It Worth Church Discipline? Pt. 1
Morning friends, I want to invite you to join my 2015 Do The Word Challenge where we are going to pick one verse per month (the verse of your own choosing) and practice “Doing it” throughout the month. Details are in my New Years Newsletter but if you didn’t get a copy, you can…
I really struggle with that phrase “trust the process”. I think it is because it has been used by people who didn’t understand the dynamics in my marriage to mean, “Trust OUR process. Keep waiting and continuing to keep the peace through pacifying and people pleasing, while we pray for you, but do not call out sin or offer accountability”. After being empowered by your material and that of the other Christians speaking up, naming the behaviour for what it is and giving me tools, I am now able to see that phrase in a better light. I am able to interpret it as “trust God”. I trust that He sees me, that He is working, and that my suffering is not wasted. That allows me to listen to Him for the next step in the “process” rather than be “tossed by the wind and waves”. It is still so hard to know when to wait and when to move, but I think (hope!) that I am getting better at listening to God’s timing for both. I certainly have more peace now that I recognize the process as God’s not man’s!
for sure. We must accept the reality of what their behavior really is and accept that we cannot change them. We must be open to what God is trying to show us through Leslie’s and other’s teachings and materials. God has gifted these people in this way and each of us are the reason. We need this material to help guide us! Thank you, Leslie and team, for allowing Him to use you. Then trust in the process of letting go, whatever that looks like. Trusting Him through each step and take each day one step at a time while we totally rely on Him. He is the one that will see us through. I can testify personally to that. I trust that He also has great things in store for me and you, friend, but in His timing. Live your life to the fullest each and every day and glorify His name. He is worthy to be praised. He is for us, not against us! Keep pressing on and allow Him to guide you to and through your next right step. Blessings
Thank you for sharing your heart and your insight. We are stronger together!
Trusting the Process has been hard since it involves my 100 yr mother and my brother’s controlling Mom’s care. My brother cut me off from accessing my mother’s medical doctor and other medical intervention using my mother to sign a form in the presence of the doctor. She didn’t understand what that meant. I most recently talked with her and asked her to help by writing the doctor a letter so I could access her medical information. Her thoughts are my brother will not like it besides I’m content and getting good care. This certainly goes back to my lack of attachment in relating to my mother in my childhood. I feel hurt that it is all about her. It seems she is in the mindset that she couldn’t help or doesn’t have the mental and emotional capacity to make a difference with the damaged situation between me and my brother. I prayed with her about the situation. I now need to trust the Lord to work out things His way and keep my hurt and disappointment before Him in thoughts and prayers.
Thanks so much for your webinar tonight, I have been struggling for years, in a lot of ways you spoke of, I feel like I don’t even know myself anymore, looking forward to your free booklet, I want give up because God has never given up on me!!
Thanks Kathy, glad you found it helpful. God never gives up on us, but he does give us the freedom to choose what our next steps will be – towards growth and healing or staying fearful and stuck. Choose life.
What a beautiful, answer full of truth given for this question.
How have I navigated?
I cried out to God; I looked to God. He heard me! I learned that He actually does what He says!
Here is an example. One night when I had two babies, I was beyond exhausted . In the middle of the night, one baby would not go back to sleep. My H was never around nor helpful. I tried driving her around in the car, something I’d never done before to get a child to sleep. She just stayed in the back smiling wide awake. I parked and just cried my eyes out telling God I could not do this. As my tears began to abate, my mind heard the words of the song, “because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” That wasn’t a song I’d remembered singing at church growing up! Perhaps, I’d heard it somewhere. God reminded me who He was in that moment . I wasn’t “doing this” on my own. I felt my body relax as His promised peace flowed in.
That was a tough season. Moms of young kids are tired. Later in time, I was in a different location with 4 young kids/babies. Looking back, I can see I should have just asked for more help, used paper plates, and sometimes served cereal for dinner..
I haven’t always had answers and sudden peace, like in the time I mentioned above. Sometimes, I’ve just sought and waited years for the answers . I can now testify that as I’ve looked to Him He continually provides.. I’m amazed by His love and care!
The article on Finding Peace inGod’s Timing is great. Not sure who wrote it, but thanks!
Hello Karen, thank you for sharing your encouragement here. I am Coach LeAnne Parsons and the author of this post. We have a good good God who walks daily with us all.
Trusting the Process: Finding Peace in God’s Timing
Have you ever felt like time was against you, where no matter how hard you tried, things just didn’t seem to fall into place?
LeAnne,
I feel like you wrote this for me.
I am taking note of all the verses to remind myself It’s all about God.
Thank you for an amazing week. 🌻
Thank you for sharing your experience and I stand with you as you walk courageously with Christ! It is an honor to walk with you…