I found myself in a bind, consumed by anxiety, as I constantly checked for updates on my school schedule and the registration of my classes. Despite being accepted and receiving a timely response from the office—a blessing from God—I was stuck worrying about what could possibly be causing the delay. It felt like a hurdle had appeared after such smooth sailing. Then it dawned on me: life is full of challenges, and each one holds a lesson if we pay close attention.

The key is “attention”—not partial, but undivided attention. This requires being watchful, mindful, and alert in our actions, deeds, surroundings, and thoughts. We often want to control everything and for plans to unfold perfectly, but where’s the growth in that? Life’s unexpected twists and turns prepare us for the journey, ensuring we’re equipped for any trials we may face. God has already provided us with the tools we need—His Word. By meditating on it, we fortify our mind, body, soul, and spirit, making us prepared for life’s arrows and the schemes of the enemy.

It’s okay if things don’t go as planned. Trying to fix situations on our own strength can make matters worse or reveal that we lack control over the outcome. In this moment, I realized I couldn’t force the information to appear. Instead, I had to wait, pray, and stand on Philippians 4:6-7:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This waiting period reminds me of John 14:1-4 (NKJV), where Jesus reassures us:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Just as I wait for my school schedule, uncertain of the exact timing, so too do we wait for Jesus’ return. Mark 13:32-37 (MSG) highlights this beautifully:

“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father. So, keep a sharp lookout, for you don’t know the timetable. It’s like a man who takes a trip, leaving home and putting his servants in charge, each assigned a task, and commanding the gatekeeper to stand watch. So, stay at your post, watching. You have no idea when the homeowner is returning, whether evening, midnight, cockcrow, or morning. You don’t want him showing up unannounced, with you asleep on the job. I say it to you, and I’m saying it to all: Stay at your post. Keep watch.”

This time of waiting is not meant for us to wither in worry or become distracted but to do the work assigned to us—meditating on God’s Word, following His commandments, living justly, showing mercy, and loving the Lord wholeheartedly.

Though I may not know the timetable for my classes—or for Jesus’ return—I trust that God will rectify every issue in His perfect timing. He will work things out in the best possible way, providing peace and rest in Him. As His children, we can be assured that He will never lead us astray but will always work to prosper us.

Let us remain watchful, prepared, and faithful, trusting in His timing and His plan.