Waiting is hard—especially when we’re praying for something important. Whether it’s a breakthrough, a relationship, a new opportunity, or simply peace of mind, the waiting season can test our patience and shake our faith.
But the Bible is full of reassurance that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow. The popular phrase “and when the time’s right” captures a powerful truth: God always acts at just the right moment.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 meaningful Bible verses about God’s perfect timing, starting with the one often paraphrased as “and when the time’s right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
These scriptures will remind you that delays are not denials—and that faith grows in the waiting.
Key Takeaways:
- God knows the perfect time for every promise.
- Trust in God’s timing leads to peace, patience, and deeper faith.
- The waiting season is often when God works on our hearts the most.
15 Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Timing
These verses encourage us to trust, wait, and hope—even when we don’t understand the delays. Let each verse speak to your heart and help you rest in the assurance of God’s divine schedule.
1. Isaiah 60:22
When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.
Explanation:
This verse is often quoted to express trust in God’s divine appointment. It reminds us that God is never late—His timing is perfect and purposeful.
2. Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Explanation:
Life unfolds in seasons. This verse reminds us that every event—good or bad—has its God-ordained moment.
3. Habakkuk 2:3
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it…
Explanation:
God’s promises might feel delayed, but they are always on schedule. Waiting isn’t wasting—it’s trusting.
4. Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Explanation:
There is a reward for perseverance. This verse encourages us to stay faithful, knowing the harvest will come.
5. Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those who wait for him… It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Explanation:
Patience is part of faith. Waiting on God is an act of hope and expectation, not passivity.
6. Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Explanation:
This verse repeats the call to wait—not with anxiety, but with strength and confidence in God.
7. Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Explanation:
Faith includes trusting in what’s unseen. God’s promises are worth waiting for—even when they’re not visible yet.
8. 2 Peter 3:8-9
With the Lord one day is as a thousand years… The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise…
Explanation:
God’s timing operates on a different scale. What feels slow to us is right on time for Him.
9. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths.
Explanation:
Instead of rushing ahead, this verse encourages us to trust God to guide our journey step by step.
10. Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…
Explanation:
Stillness can be powerful. This verse encourages calm trust while we wait on God’s move.
11. James 5:7
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits…
Explanation:
Patience is like planting seeds. We trust the process, knowing the harvest comes in due time.
12. Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you…
Explanation:
God spoke this to Sarah about her long-awaited child. Nothing is impossible when God’s timing is involved.
13. Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…
Explanation:
Waiting doesn’t weaken us—it strengthens us. God gives new energy to those who trust His timing.
14. Psalm 31:15
My times are in your hand…
Explanation:
This verse is a beautiful declaration of trust. Our days are under God’s care, not our control.
15. 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves… under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Explanation:
God lifts us up when we’re ready—not when we feel ready, but when He knows the time is right.
Final Thoughts
God’s timing often doesn’t match our expectations—but it always surpasses them in wisdom. The phrase “and when the time’s right” reminds us that delays are not denials. They’re often divine pauses meant to prepare us, grow us, or protect us.
If you’re in a waiting season, take heart. God sees you. He knows your desires. And when the time is right, He will make it happen.
Share With Us
Which of these verses gives you hope right now? Have you experienced a moment when God’s timing was unexpectedly perfect?
Share your story or your favorite “and when the time’s right” Bible verse in the comments—we’d love to hear how God is working in your waiting.