November 12, 2026 | Resources
Have you ever been convinced God was leading you somewhere, but wondered whether it was time to act?
Years ago, I nearly made a costly mistake while trying to follow God's direction.
I was in my mid-20s, living in Texas.
I'd been spending a lot of time in prayer and began to sense that God had a destiny for me in Southern California.
Being young in the Lord, I lacked the maturity to understand the importance of God's timing.
So that week, I packed my car and was ready to leave for California right after Sunday morning church.
I hadn't even told my pastor.
On Sunday morning, I arrived at church early. When I stepped out of my car, the double doors swung open and out walked Sister Dorothy, a powerful woman of prayer.
She stood on the steps, pointed her finger with authority, and said:
“Brother Brooks, I don’t know what you’re about to do, but God told me to tell you – don’t do it. You kept me up all night praying for you.”
Then she walked back inside, muttering something about the timing being wrong.
This encounter shocked me and left me somewhat discouraged.
After the service, I went home and unpacked everything.
Two Years Later
During a two-year period, I immersed myself in reading and studying the Bible.
I also secured a wonderful job.
Each morning before work, I would rise early to pray.
One morning at 6 a.m., I knelt down to pray.
The Holy Spirit swept over me like a wave, speaking with a clear and authoritative voice: “Leave immediately and go to California.”
My previous failed attempt had left me apprehensive. I tried to ignore the instruction and continued praying.
But at exactly 6:10 a.m., the Holy Spirit repeated the command.
I stopped praying, got up, and began packing my car with everything I owned.
A Blessing from My Boss
When I told my boss, John, what had happened, he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of olive oil.
He poured the oil on my head, pointed at me, and said, “Go.”
When he asked where in California I was going, I told him, “I'm not entirely sure; I'm just heading in that direction.”
John nodded, and I walked out of his office.
I'd never done anything like this before.
So as I drove toward California, I prayed in tongues the whole way, determined to keep my faith strong.
My mind was naturally concerned, but the more I prayed in the Spirit, the more I sensed a soothing comfort washing over me.
Eventually, I arrived in California and felt led to settle in Orange County.
Within two days, I found a full-time job.
Within two months, I met Kelly, who would later become my wife.
And I connected with the pastor who would mentor me and train me in ministry.
Everything fell into place as if orchestrated by an unseen hand, one step after another.
Is It Time to Go?
Maybe you're facing a move, a new job, or a decision you've been praying about for months.
You believe God is leading you down a certain path.
But have you asked Him about the timing?
Before making a change that is hard to undo, bring both of these questions to the Lord:
• "In which direction are You leading me?"
• “Is NOW the time to act?"
Don't let the pressure to make a decision become your reason to rush.
Keep praying.
Keep growing in God's Word.
Be faithful with what's in front of you.
And when His direction to act becomes clear, don't let fear or past mistakes hold you back.
Now pray this with me, out loud:
“Father, thank You that You know the plans You have for my life.
Give me wisdom to recognize both Your direction and Your timing.
Help me not to rush ahead because of pressure or hold back because of fear.
As I pray and grow in Your Word, teach me to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit.
If I need to wait, help me be faithful right where I am.
And when You tell me to act, give me the faith and courage to obey.
In Jesus' name, amen.”
For a deeper study on the topic of God's direction and timing, grab a copy of the book: Invincible Christianity.
Get the Book: Ministry Store | Kindle | Amazon Print
