Feel Like You’re Falling Behind? Do These 4 Things.
Stephanie felt like she was falling behind. She thought she should have been further along.
But that was a lie… have you fallen for it?
I’ll just say it: I thought I’d be further along by now.
- Further in my calling.
- Further in my finances.
- Further in my confidence.
- Further in my healing.
Have you ever felt that way?
Maybe you’re looking at your life thinking, “This isn’t where I thought I’d be at this age, at this stage, after all I’ve been through…” And that quiet ache whispers louder than ever: “You’re behind. You’re failing. You missed it.”
Sis, I’ve been there. Honestly, I’m still there some days. My to do list is longer than a New York city block. I wonder should I cut the list but everything on this is needed and important. Ugh!
Today, I want to talk about it—candidly, Christian-ly, and without pretending that I’ve got it all figured out. Because I don’t and you probably do not either. But it’s driving us crazy some days.
Related Post: Authentically Insecure
When the Timeline Doesn’t Match the Testimony
There’s this invisible timeline we carry in our minds. You know the one. You think your life will be at a certain point by a certain date or at least its supposed to be right.
We think, “By now I should be married.” Or, “By now I should have written the book, launched the ministry, built the business, broken the addiction, healed from the past, stopped struggling with this.” And more.
But what happens when “by now” hasn’t happened? What do we do with the disappointment? How do we sit with the dream in front of us but not finished or accomplished and we endlessly scroll and see some random woman walking in ‘our’ dream!
Here’s what I know. That lie—“I should be further along by now”—isn’t from God. Yep that is right it’s not from God. So let that go right now before you read another sentence.
It’s from the enemy who wants to make you feel disqualified, discouraged, and discontent in the very place God is still writing your story.
Comparison Is the Thief of Contentment
It usually hits me when I scroll social media. (Which by the way I am learning kills the creativity from God). It’s a trap I tell you that we get sucked into and the black hole of discontentment begins to arise.
I look at someone’s launching their third book. Someone else is celebrating 20 years of marriage and (mine failed and I’m divorced). Another friend is sharing photos from her latest women’s retreat and you can’t leave the city due to finances.
And I sit there thinking, “What am I even doing with my life?” But forgetting—I am an author with 18 books on Amazon (not making a lot of money but they are there), a women’s life coach, a great mom, two sons not married, no kids, no drama living for the Lord, I have my own podcast, and I’m a creative.
But here’s the truth God gently reminds me of:
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5:26
God didn’t create me to walk someone else’s path. He created me to walk mine, my path—with Him, at His pace, for His glory.
Related Post: 5 Bible Verses to Remind You that You’re Right Where You’re Meant to Be
What the Bible Says About God’s Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
But can I be honest? I don’t always like that verse—because I want my time, not God’s time. How about you? And yet, His timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
When I look back on the delays, the detours, the closed doors… I can now see God’s protection and preparation. I wasn’t late—I was learning. I wasn’t stuck—I was being sanctified and separated or a greater work. And so are you.
Related Post: 11 Bible Verses About God’s Timing
4 Steps To Take When You Feel Like You’re Falling Behind
If you’re in that place—feeling like everyone’s passing you by—here are four heart-level steps I’m walking out in my own journey that you may benefit from.
Now these may not change the timing but they don’t have to because it’s really about a heart change for you and me.
Why?
Because God’s way is perfect and He knows what is best.
1.) Get Honest With God
Don’t try to hide your disappointment. Bring it into the light. Tell Him what you hoped for. What you expected. What hurts. Psalm 62:8 says, “Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” He can handle your honesty.
2.) Trade the Timeline for Trust
God is not in a rush, and His will is never late. When we let go of our self-imposed timelines, we make space to receive His peace. Ask Him, “God, what are You doing in me right now?”
That question shifts the focus from what’s missing to what He’s molding.
3.) Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be. Celebrate the healing that’s happened. The prayers you now pray. The boundaries you’ve set. The courage it took to keep going. That is fruit. That is forward movement.
4.) Guard Your Gaze
What are you looking at everyday? If scrolling is stealing your peace, take a break. If comparison is clouding your clarity, refocus. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Stop looking at him or her. Look at Him, Jesus, instead.
Friend, you’re not late. You’re becoming. Becoming wiser, stronger, more surrendered and more like Christ.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
You’re not falling behind—you’re falling into alignment.
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What Lies Have You Been Believing?
The lies we believe make us feel like failures. Like we don’t measure up. Some lies can even make us feel worthless. And Satan loves it. He is the father of all lies, and whether he is whispering in our ear or it’s our own sinful nature tearing us down, we don’t have to take the bait.
God said, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). He says we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). God created us, He called us by name, and we are His (Isaiah 43:1).
Join us in this anthology for Christian women by sharing a lie you have believed, and the truth that set you free.
