Gods timing by Sydney

Gods timing by Sydney - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could offer one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: Plant the seeds, even if you’re not sure they’ll grow because in time, they will, exactly when they’re meant to.

In my earlier years, I often believed that success depended on having everything figured out. I thought I needed to wait for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, or the perfect version of myself before I could begin. But life has taught me that growth rarely happens on our schedule. It happens in seasons some short, some long and often in ways we don’t expect. And more importantly, it happens according to God’s timing, not ours.

There were moments when I felt discouraged because my efforts didn’t bear fruit right away or instantly give me gratification. I questioned whether I was on the right path or if I was falling behind. But over time, I began to see that delays were not denials they were divine pauses. What I once saw as setbacks were actually setups for something better. I learned that God’s timing is not just about waiting, it’s about preparing. It’s about trusting that what is meant for you will not pass you by, even if it takes longer than you hoped. At the end of the day his timing is a million times better than the wrong path.

Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life came when I least expected them after I had taken a leap of faith, even when I felt uncertain. Whether it was applying for a leadership role, pursuing a new interest, or simply speaking up when it mattered, the moments that shaped me most were the ones where I acted with faith, not fear.

This advice to start before you feel ready is not about rushing ahead. It’s about trusting the process. It’s about understanding that we are not in control of every outcome, but we are responsible for showing up, doing the work, and believing that our efforts matter. Just like a gardener plant seeds without knowing exactly when they’ll bloom, we must take action and trust that growth will come in God’s perfect time.

If I could speak to my past self, I would say: don’t be afraid to begin. Don’t wait for everything to make sense. Take the first step, even if it’s small. Because every seed you plant through learning, serving, and persevering will grow into something meaningful, even if you can’t see it yet.

As I continue to pursue my goals, I carry this lesson with me. I know that my journey will not always be linear, and that some seasons will feel slow. But I also know that with faith, patience, and persistence, everything will unfold as it should. And that is more than enough.