“They said that procrastination was the source of all my sorrow. I do not know what that big word means – I’ll look it up tomorrow!” – Anonymous.

Procrastination literally means “to put off until tomorrow”.

Normally, I put off making important decisions. Well, not until I had prayed about them. So in a way I admit that I am a “procrastinator” because I always wait for the Lord’s guidance.

I believe procrastination is not the problem since I already acknowledged that God has given me all the time I need to accomplish everything He wants me to accomplish. Procrastination therefore, is the solution.

Procrastination has its bright side – me inviting God to lead my time management initiative through prayer. I always feel that I need to pray first for a clear understanding of God’s priorities and perspective. When I am dealing with emotions such as fear, I need to ask God to give me more faith. When I am struggling with anxiety, I pray to God to grant me His peace that passes understanding. And when I am grappling for perfection, I need to acknowledge that my total significance is found in Him, not my performance. I do not try to bypass this process and so yes most of the time I procrastinate to wait on the Lord.

Are you currently facing a big challenge in life? You have two options. You can procrastinate by waiting on God’s perfect timing and His way by praying. Or you can take the matter into your own hands and face the challenge all by yourself without God’s guidance and sustaining grace. I recommend following the first option – the productive procrastination.

Let me tell you a story. It’s the story of Abraham. God told Abraham he was going to have a son. And through that son he would be the father of a great nation. Abraham was nearly a hundred years old and his wife Sarah was also old. He had trouble believing God’s promises. And he did not wait on God. To cut the long story short, Abraham did not procrastinate. He and Sarah took the matter in their own hands. Instead of procrastinating (waiting on the Lord and being patient) he became proactive and had a child with a woman who was not his wife. (Genesis Chapter 16). But his “proactiveness” was not in accordance to God’s plan. God’s plan was for Sarah to give birth to “the son of promise” who was Isaac. (Genesis 18:1-15)

The same is true for me and you. Our way of making things happen will always be inferior to God. God’s way is always the best way because God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8,9).

There is no need to act or decide quickly whenever you are facing a big dilemma. There is no need to fret. Productively procrastinate by praying. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret- it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:7,8

Trust God and say, “I have a mighty God who always keeps His promises. All I have to do is believe.” Then simply relax, obey, and get ready to act and follow His leading.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14