Is God’s Timing Perfect?
How to Trust God’s Timing for an Intentional Life
Have you ever found yourself facing an opportunity that seemed entirely out of reach, yet something deep inside nudged you to step forward? You’re not alone. Meet Peggy Roberts, who encountered just such a moment when she saw a job ad that seemed like a mismatch at first.
As the Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center, Peggy reflects, “I absolutely believe that the Lord had prepared me years in advance and for such a time as this.” If her words sound familiar, they are echoes from Esther’s pivotal moment in the Bible, where she too was placed “for such a time as this” to deliver her people (Esther 4:14).
Watch Peggy’s story.
Embracing your calling is often met with unforeseen challenges. Peggy speaks openly about the spiritual warfare that shook her home life: “I really thought, Oh my goodness! I’ve made this terrible mistake … for a period of time my household was just in shambles.”
Paul’s words to the Ephesians, warns, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).
Through her struggles, Peggy also discovered a deeper faith and resilience, encouraging her to persevere through trials, trusting in God’s greater plan.
The Power of Community and Mentorship
When doubts cloud our calling, God often sends reassurance through the voices of others. For Peggy, it was a mentor who affirmed her path, saying, “Oh no, you’re right where the Lord wants you to be.”
Mentorship reflects the biblical model of guidance, where seasoned believers support those newer in their faith. Like Timothy had Paul, having someone to guide you can be pivotal in navigating your spiritual journey.
Peggy continues, “[Mentors] gave me the encouragement I needed. And the Lord kept bringing people around me. … When I look back over my life, and I say this all the time: we don’t know what we don’t know.”
Witnessing God’s Provision in Times of Need
Peggy’s story is full of moments of miraculous provision that affirm God’s timely intervention. A particularly poignant instance was when the center desperately needed diapers and formula. Just as Peggy feared she couldn’t meet the need, God provided through a timely donation.
Peggy recalls, “This young woman came in, and she needed this particular formula, and she needed packaged diapers. So, I went to get them for her. … And I go into this room and the shelves are bare. I don’t have the diapers for her, and I don’t have the formula for her. … And I’m saying to the Lord, ‘I can’t walk out there and not have diapers for her.’ I don’t know what I’m going to do. And it’s this long hallway, so I’m walking down the hallway and I’m praying the whole time.”
After what seems like a long walk back to the lobby, Peggy can see out the window into the parking lot where a car pulls up and a woman gets out with two bags. “She walks in, and she says, ‘I received your email that said you don’t have diapers. ’And they were the exact size, the exact diaper, and the formula that this woman needed. … God was so good at honoring that. And I was able to give her the diapers and the formula that she needed.”
Such moments are powerful witness to God’s promise in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Transforming Lives through Faithful Service
The impact of Peggy’s work is most vividly seen in the lives she touches. She shares the story of a young woman who, empowered by the truths learned in Bible study, made life-changing decisions for herself and her twins.
“I remember her saying to me, ‘I didn’t know God had a plan for me. I didn’t know He even cared who we date or that there was a plan for marriage.’ Once she did that [Bible study] series, she went back to her boyfriend and she said, ‘Look, I want a life that’s pleasing to God. You either have to marry me, or you have to leave.’”
Peggy continues, “They were living together, and he left but we were right there as a ministry. We came alongside and helped her. And she did fantastic. … I’m just so happy because she didn’t know what she didn’t know. And then she made different choices. And now it’s going to affect her children as she raises them. And they can make different choices.”
The work Peggy does at the Pregnancy Resource Center highlights how practical biblical teachings can empower individuals to make choices that break cycles of despair and introduce new legacies of hope.
Peggy smiles, “I like the term ‘cycle breaker.’ You can be a cycle breaker if you know differently. Right. And I just love that. And then to have the experience to watch God show up.”
Lessons Learned and Wisdom Shared
Over two decades, Peggy has gleaned valuable wisdom about leadership, faith under pressure, and the joy of serving. She emphasizes that every challenge also brought a lesson, enriching her understanding and deepening her reliance on God.
Two things we can learn from her journey: true growth often comes from unexpected challenges and that serving others can profoundly change your own life.
If you’re seeking to discern and follow God’s call, consider Peggy’s approach:
- Stay rooted in prayer.
- Seek wise counsel.
- Be open to where God might lead, even if it’s unexpected.
- Reflect on how God has prepared you through past experiences, and trust that He will equip you for whatever lies ahead.
The Sure Foundation
Throughout her journey, Scripture has been Peggy’s foundation. It has not only guided her through personal challenges but also shaped the ministry’s approach to helping others. Integrating biblical wisdom into every aspect of service ensures that the help provided is not just practical but spiritually nourishing.
God equips and uses those He calls, no matter how unexpected the call might seem. Whether you are facing doubts, spiritual battles, or seeking a sign that God is at work in your life, be willing to embrace the unexpected – in it you might just find God’s greatest gifts for you and through you.
Each year Family Life Radio’s Ultimate Baby Shower supports local community pregnancy centers. Over 38,000 items including diapers, strollers and car seats were donated during the 2024 event. If you’d like to be a part of the journey this year, click here to learn more.