This is a great article by Marshawn Evans! Useful steps to live by when you feel frustrated about the timing of situations in your life. Continue to Trust and have Faith!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials
of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its
full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-4

Time and time again, I get to learn that God is more concerned with trust than talent.

More committed to our character than our career.

And, more interested in obedience than sacrifice.

Because of our desire to get what we want when we want it, though, we naturally tend to rush the process and try to put God on our timeline. We set our expectations high, create our own schedule and start racing toward that finish line. Then when our great expectations aren’t met, we feel frustrated because we haven’t met our goals.

I want to tell you that there is something that God wants more than your speed, your hard work and your mighty effort.

God wants your TRUST. (My acronym for TRUST, if you haven’t heard it before, is Total Reliance Upon Spiritual Timing.)

Not easy, right?

That’s because we want to orchestrate.

We want to direct.

We want to control.

Truth is, however, that we simply don’t know what’s best for us. We certainly don’t have Heaven’s vantage point.

And if we’re not careful we can get in the way of God’s intended blessing for us.

Think about Noah. Noah was obedient and patient. These qualities protected him and preserved his legacy and family. He trusted God’s instruction even when others doubted him.

He took the time to build the ark. After the flood, he sent a raven and a dove to “test” the land to see if it was ready for them. Then he waited for a clear sign that it was time. When the dove returned with a branch, Noah knew that the place for his “feet” was not ready. He knew that water still covered the land.

What would have become of Noah and his family if he’d ignored this message and decided that it was the right time to step out?

Noah’s story is a perfect example of the 5 steps required in truly TRUSTing God.

1. Press Pause. I like to say that “patience is protection.” As a coach and catalyst who helps MOVE people into the action side of faith, I am used to doing, creating, and producing. Being more patient is not always easy for me. But in order to experience the brilliant plans God has for me, I know I have to let the Brilliant One lead me.

2. Ask God for Confirmation. Seek first the kingdom and ask for a clear picture of what God intends for you. God will send you messages. Just like Noah’s dove, you’ll get a phone call at the right moment, bump into the right person or suddenly see the right path appear. But you need to ask Him, not your girlfriends of Facebook buddies…  Even though I believe in seeking wise counsel, there is no substitute for talking directly to God about His plans for you and your life.

3. Pay Attention to Your Intuition. The nudges you receive are God’s inspirational messages to you. Create quiet time to pray and listen. If you get an idea out of the blue to call someone specific, call them. Learn to listen, especially in times of stress or anxiety. A few moments of rest, prayer and meditation always reconnect you to what God is trying to tell you.

4.  Prepare While You Wait. Waiting is not a passive act. Preparing enables you to be ready to “step out” when the timing is right. Keep working diligently where you are, enjoying life, serving God and reaching out to others while you wait.

5. TRUST. Remember, we’re talking about TOTAL reliance. Not just part of you. Stop trusting the wrong things—yourself, your experience, your intellect. You need to trust with your whole heart because miracles aren’t going to happen if you give God just a small piece of your trust.So… even when you are frustrated, remember that every detour, delay and speed bump in your life has been divinely orchestrated.

Remember, God knows the ideal timing for you to arrive at your destination. God is the one who created time and He is in control. You’re never behind when you trust Him, listen to Him and follow Him.

Tell me, where are YOU struggling with trusting God’s timing?

What lesson do you think God is trying to teach you about patience, spiritual intimacy, and preparation? Where do you get stuck?

Let me know below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Marshawn Evans is a Global Mentor and Catalyst for Women looking to Launch Their Dreams and Live Their Purpose. She equips others to AMPLIFY their lives, their leadership and their legacy by teaching the principles of influence, branding, and divine purpose. Her weekly eZine goes out to thousands of subscribers. Are you ready to unleash your brilliance and align with your REAL destiny? Sign up for a FREE subscription at http://marshawnevans.com