“Girl, Chill. You’re 20.”

I attended an event one day and I overheard a conversation between two people (I wasn’t eavesdropping, I promise lol), but one of them said something along the lines of “one thing about this generation is that they are impatient.” The other person responded by saying, “well, it’s a good thing because it makes them get things done.”

Deep Sigh. 

Get your degree, get a high-paying job, get married before 30, have all your kids by 35, buy a house, become rich and famous, start your own business, be your own boss; and the list goes on and on, on this script that was created by God knows who. 

I remember sitting in one of my classes where our guest speaker told the story of his journey so far. His 20s were not exactly the most perfect years of his life (this is just me making it sound cute lol, his 20s were actually rough), but he was now in his 30s and beginning to live his dream life. He taught that your 20s are for learning, 30s for earning, and 40s and above for returning to society. This was around my last birthday when my mind kept thinking about the million and one things I hadn’t done yet in my life. As I listened to his story and the many obstacles he faced and overcame, it was almost like the Holy Spirit said to me, “Girl, Chill. You’re 20. You have time, and everything will fall in place in due season.”

Yes, we are an innovative generation, but it doesn’t change that there are people drowning in dissatisfaction and comparison because they are constantly fed with the idea of what their lives should look like.

We have a fast-paced society with people who are not patient enough to let their core be developed but would rather have microwave success that eventually leads their hearts away from God. Who says you have to have your life all figured out in your twenties? I, for one, do not think there is a problem with you succeeding early. 

But one day, I asked the Holy Spirit, Where really is the balance? The balance between succeeding early and doing things out of undue pressure? And He said to me: 

YOUR HEART. Your heart makes all the difference. The heart of the matter is always a matter of the heart. 

God never puts you on a stand without taking you through the process that will form character in you and enable you to sustain your success. Speed doesn’t mean that God will allow you to skip vital processes, but sometimes, God gives you speed simply by starting your training process early. He is not against early success and will definitely reward your diligence and hard work so far. 

God gives speed, I’m a testimony to that. But God taught me that just like Joseph, the speed in your life is not for the pressure to prove anything to anyone, it’s to go ahead and preserve the lives of others. It’s to serve. It’s not all about you. So grow, but from REST and the understanding of your purpose, not the franticness that comes from the fear of being left out. Patiently grow into the best version of yourself, but find contentment at every stage too. Stop comparing yourself with people who have labored and are now in their harvest season. The timing and purpose of your life are according to the father’s love, not society’s clock. 

Follow them who, through faith and patience, attained the promise. 

Abraham waited on God for 25 years?! Some of us reading this are not even up to 25. Imagine all your time spent on earth so far being the amount of time Abraham waited on God for the promise of a son. But here you are wanting to crucify Jesus all over again because it’s been two weeks since you asked God for the thing you are waiting for. Appreciate every season for the beauty and uniqueness it brings. Appreciate your singleness. Yep! I said it. Your single season is not for pity parties and waiting for someone to marry you out of depression. Find God, find you, and pursue your purpose in this season. 

Overall, let your heart behind everything you do be to change lives and bless the heart of the Father by fulfilling His will for your life. And if you’re way past the 20 mark, and it feels like so much time has gone by, you can rest in the knowledge that God is restorer, and He is never late. He can give Sarah a child at 85 and give the strength and long life to enjoy the child.

So rest from your striving and focus on what God will have you do here.