FOMO, Formation, and Trusting the Slow Work of God
When You Feel Behind (But God’s Still Right On Time)
Ever had that deep desire to DO something… and literally nothing lined up to make it happen?
Yeah. Been there.
It just happened to me with a coach training opportunity I’d been dreaming about.
This wasn’t just any training. This was the first, the groundbreaking, the “your favorite people will all be there” kind of training.
The price would never be lower, the connections would be rich, and my heart was doing cartwheels just thinking about it.
But there was one problem:
I couldn’t go. Not financially. Not logistically. Not in this season.
Cue the internal drama.
“Everyone else will be there.”
“They’ll grow, and I’ll stay stuck.”
“What if I miss my moment?”
And—let’s be real—underneath the ache was that sneaky little gremlin called jealousy.
Ugh. I didn’t want to feel that way. But I did. And I had to coach myself through it. I have learned how to process these hard things - honestly, prayerfully, with my journal, annnnnd some chocolate.
When Everyone Else Seems to Be Getting Ahead
Have you felt that? Like everyone around you is ‘getting’ it?
Getting engaged
Landing promotions
Buying houses
Announcing baby #2
Traveling to Italy in linen pants with effortlessly perfect hair (how tho?!)
Meanwhile, you’re like,
“Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem, it’s me.”
(Spoiler: you're not.)
You’re not behind. You’re in formation.
Let’s Name the Hidden Pressure
Sometimes we don’t even realize what we’re carrying:
The pressure to be further along
The fear that you missed the window
The quiet voice that says, “Everyone else is ahead… what’s wrong with me?”
It’s not just about timelines. It’s about identity.
And comparison IS a thief—robbing us of peace, presence, and purpose.
But, listen dear one, here’s what’s real:
God is not behind on you.
Read that again. Slowly.
God is not in a hurry with your story.
He’s not pacing the floor, whispering to the angels, “Oh no, she’s 29 and still hasn’t figured it out!”
He’s patient.
He’s intentional.
And He’s forming something holy in you.
The Truth About Becoming
Culture tells you to arrive.
God invites you to become.
That ache you feel? That longing? It’s not failure.
It’s formation. (the manner in which a thing is formed; disposition of parts; formal structure or arrangement.)
You’re learning to trust in the in-between.
You’re being shaped in the waiting room - not because God forgot you, but because He loves you enough not to rush what’s sacred.
And, dear one, this version of you?
Still becoming, still waiting, still showing up?
She’s not less than. She’s right on time.
A Gentle Shift: From Pressure to Peace
Let’s shift the thought from:
“I am so behind!”
To:
“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be for what God’s forming in me.”
Growth doesn’t always look like forward motion.
Sometimes it looks like roots going deeper.
Sometimes it looks like sitting out the training and learning trust instead.
And that, my friend, is real growth.
A Journaling Prompt for This Week
Take a deep breath.
Find a quiet spot.
And write this at the top of the page:
“Lord, what am I rushing that You’re still preparing?”
Set at timer for just five minutes and write. Let His still, small voice remind you:
You’re not behind.
You’re being formed.
And it’s going to be beautiful.
