When Fear Says Now but God Says Wait

Don’t confuse urgency with divine instruction.

I’ve learned that fear has a loud voice. It shouts in emergencies, yells when the unknown is too much to handle, and pressures us to do something—anything—just so we won’t feel helpless. But wisdom? Wisdom whispers. It’s steady. It waits for peace. It doesn’t panic.

And that’s where we get tripped up.

Sometimes we act fast not because God said move, but because fear convinced us He wouldn’t. And in that fear, we confuse urgency with anointing. We assume because the clock is ticking, the door must be closing, or people are watching, we have to act now. But God isn’t pushed by pressure. He moves in purpose.

One thing I’ve been accused of is moving too slow. And truthfully? There are a few people reading this right now laughing in agreement, because they know I’ve taken my sweet time on more than a few things. But I believe there’s wisdom in listening. Not every delay is disobedience—some delays are divine. And sometimes, listening longer saves you from leaping into what God never sent.

There have been moments I said yes to things I wasn’t ready for—not because God called me, but because fear whispered that I’d miss the opportunity if I didn’t jump in. But what I missed instead was peace.

Here’s the truth: Wisdom won’t always feel good in the moment. Waiting can feel like stalling. Obedience can feel like loss. But when God tells you to wait, He’s not withholding—He’s aligning. He’s protecting you from what looks good but isn’t God. And anything that requires you to rush, compromise, or silence your discernment isn’t sent from the throne. It’s sent to derail your trust.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” That means even what you’re dreaming of has a set time. But if fear drives you to pick unripe fruit, you’ll end up with bitterness instead of blessing.

So how do you know the difference between divine instruction and panic?

• Peace won’t make you anxious.
• God won’t confuse you to push you.
• And His timing may be uncomfortable—but it will never require you to abandon your values, your boundaries, or your rest.

If you feel rushed, pause. If you feel pressed, pray. And if you’re not sure, wait. The God who opens doors also knows how to keep them from slamming in your face.

Just because you can move doesn’t mean you should.
Sometimes the most obedient thing you can do is stay still.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.