What If Jesus Waited?
- Ron Hale
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today”? Yeah... me too. And let me just say, it’s one of those statements that gets more real the older you get. I remember a season when I was writing articles for a popular magazine. I’d be given weeks to complete each article. Plenty of time, right? I’d do the interview, record it, transcribe it... but then I’d do something many of us do: I’d wait.
I’d say, “I’ll write it tomorrow.” Then when tomorrow came, I’d say, “I just don’t feel like it today. I need to rest. I’ll get to it the next day.”
One day turned into two. Two turned into a week. Before I knew it, the deadline was the very next day. I’d write under stress, with no room for peace or creativity.
Sure, I managed to finish on time. But at what cost? I was tired, anxious, rushed. And I wondered: Why did I wait? Why did I keep telling myself, “I’ll do it later”?
That’s the thing about procrastination; it’s sneaky. It convinces you there’s more time than there is. That you’ll feel motivated tomorrow. That things will fall into place without your effort.
But God’s Word warns us about this. “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down... Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.” (Proverbs 24:30–32)
The field didn’t fall apart all at once. It wasn’t ruined by a storm or fire. It was ruined by neglect: little by little.
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber...” (Proverbs 24:33–34)
It starts small: a distraction, a delay, an excuse. But neglect has consequences, whether in our faith, purpose, relationships, or health.
Laziness isn’t always easy to recognize. Sometimes it hides as “self-care” or “waiting for the right time,” but most of the time, it’s just avoiding what needs to be done. A small delay here and there might seem harmless, until it adds up.
Poverty isn’t just about money. It can mean feeling far from God, missing chances, or losing years you can’t get back. By the time you notice, you may have lost something important, like your peace, your purpose, or the season God had for you.
One of the biggest lies we believe is that we have time to waste, that tomorrow is guaranteed. But Jesus said, “Come, follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). He didn’t say, “Come later” or “When you’re ready.” He called you, as you are, right now.
The danger isn’t just disobedience but delayed obedience; hearing God’s voice but choosing to wait. And while we wait, the field God has trusted us with starts filling with weeds. They don’t appear overnight, but they grow, little by little, every time we say, “Not today.”
Jesus didn’t call His first disciples when it was easy or comfortable. They dropped everything and followed Him right away. They trusted the voice that called them.
If God is calling you to act, don’t wait. Time is a gift, and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Obedience opens doors; delay only creates distance.
Stop waiting for perfect timing or for others to catch up. Some people may never see where God is leading you, but God does.
Here’s what I’m still learning by His grace: Overcoming procrastination starts when we move with purpose. Write things down. Set realistic goals. Take the next step, even when you don’t feel ready. The hardest part is starting, but God meets us there. Your obedience invites His power.
Imagine if Jesus said, “I’ll go to the cross later, when it’s convenient.” What would the world look like today?
Now be honest! What are you putting off?
That book God put on your heart?
The phone call you keep putting off?
The prayer life you’ve been wanting to grow?
The business idea that won’t leave your mind?
Or maybe it’s the hard step God wants you to take; letting go of what’s holding you back and trusting Him to bring you into new life you can’t yet see..
