God Willing
When God Says, “Wait”
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 18:21 NLT - As he left, however, he said, "I will come back later, God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus.
OBSERVATION:
We have all heard the saying, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” But do we really understand what it means?
While it has a figurative meaning—“a plan will be carried out unless unforeseen circumstances prevent it”—there is speculation that it was written in a letter to George Washington by Benjamin Hawkins, the French translator for General George Washington and a North Carolina Congressman. The story goes that Hawkins was summoned back to Philadelphia by then-President Washington, to which Hawkins replied, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” "Creek" referred to the Creek tribe, and "rising" may have meant an uprising or revolt. This theory is supported by the capitalization of "Creek" in his supposed correspondence.
Although there is no evidence to support the story, it has become a saying or slang that has persisted across generations. I will do this unless something stops me.
Many of us have said or implied it many times in our lives. Not in a negative way, but to let others know that if the Lord permits, I will do it.
This is what Paul explained to those in Ephesus who wanted him to stay. Two years earlier, in Acts 16, the Holy Spirit had hindered Paul from traveling to Ephesus.
It said God answers us in three ways: Yes, No, or Wait. We usually dislike two of those. Can you guess which ones?
One of the hardest things to face is “wait.” We often see it as a “no,” but if we listen, God is saying, “not yet.”
Acts 18:21 NLT - As he left, however, he said, "I will come back later, God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus.
OBSERVATION:
We have all heard the saying, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” But do we really understand what it means?
While it has a figurative meaning—“a plan will be carried out unless unforeseen circumstances prevent it”—there is speculation that it was written in a letter to George Washington by Benjamin Hawkins, the French translator for General George Washington and a North Carolina Congressman. The story goes that Hawkins was summoned back to Philadelphia by then-President Washington, to which Hawkins replied, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” "Creek" referred to the Creek tribe, and "rising" may have meant an uprising or revolt. This theory is supported by the capitalization of "Creek" in his supposed correspondence.
Although there is no evidence to support the story, it has become a saying or slang that has persisted across generations. I will do this unless something stops me.
Many of us have said or implied it many times in our lives. Not in a negative way, but to let others know that if the Lord permits, I will do it.
This is what Paul explained to those in Ephesus who wanted him to stay. Two years earlier, in Acts 16, the Holy Spirit had hindered Paul from traveling to Ephesus.
It said God answers us in three ways: Yes, No, or Wait. We usually dislike two of those. Can you guess which ones?
One of the hardest things to face is “wait.” We often see it as a “no,” but if we listen, God is saying, “not yet.”
“Sometimes God says, ‘wait,’ and He always knows what He’s doing when He says it.” – David Guzik.
Why does God ask us to wait? Often, there is something He needs us to learn, or the timing isn't right. In either case, He is teaching us patience and trust in Him.
The NKJV version of this verse helps explain why Paul said he would “be back later, God willing.”
Acts 18:20-21 NKJV - When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul knew he needed to return for the feast in Jerusalem. All Jewish men were required to be present at certain feasts. Paul was being obedient to God’s Word and, at the same time, open to God, allowing him to return—if it was His will.
APPLICATION:
What in your life has God said “yes,” “no,” or “wait”? Are you like Paul, obedient?
If God has said “no,” are you pouting about it or trying to convince God that you know better? Or have you, like Paul, listened to the Macedonian Call – perhaps He needs you somewhere else?
If God has said “wait,” are you waiting? Or have you taken it as a “no”? If He has said, "wait," be busy with what He has given you to do today. Doing today prepares for tomorrow. Often, the lessons we learn before God says yes are what we need to accomplish what He has for us.
If God has said “yes,” what are you waiting for? In my life, I’ve found that, as much as I don’t like to wait, I often dislike "yes" even more. Why is that? Fear of the unknown, uncertainty, and a sense of unworthiness. All of which can be worse than the wait.
What is the solution to all of this? Be like Paul—may we always begin everything with "The Lord willing." Or, if you prefer the southern version, "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise."
Remember this in all of it:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen to what You say and do as You ask, even if it means waiting. During the waiting, may I be found looking to You, learning to trust You and the lessons I need. When the time is right, even if You say, “no,” help me listen and obey.
The NKJV version of this verse helps explain why Paul said he would “be back later, God willing.”
Acts 18:20-21 NKJV - When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul knew he needed to return for the feast in Jerusalem. All Jewish men were required to be present at certain feasts. Paul was being obedient to God’s Word and, at the same time, open to God, allowing him to return—if it was His will.
APPLICATION:
What in your life has God said “yes,” “no,” or “wait”? Are you like Paul, obedient?
If God has said “no,” are you pouting about it or trying to convince God that you know better? Or have you, like Paul, listened to the Macedonian Call – perhaps He needs you somewhere else?
If God has said “wait,” are you waiting? Or have you taken it as a “no”? If He has said, "wait," be busy with what He has given you to do today. Doing today prepares for tomorrow. Often, the lessons we learn before God says yes are what we need to accomplish what He has for us.
If God has said “yes,” what are you waiting for? In my life, I’ve found that, as much as I don’t like to wait, I often dislike "yes" even more. Why is that? Fear of the unknown, uncertainty, and a sense of unworthiness. All of which can be worse than the wait.
What is the solution to all of this? Be like Paul—may we always begin everything with "The Lord willing." Or, if you prefer the southern version, "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise."
Remember this in all of it:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen to what You say and do as You ask, even if it means waiting. During the waiting, may I be found looking to You, learning to trust You and the lessons I need. When the time is right, even if You say, “no,” help me listen and obey.
God's timing is perfect; trust Him no matter what.
Posted in 06 - Acts
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Words Spoken at the Right TimeHe Will SaveShining as the StarSOAPRepentance: It’s a Good ThingDawning of a New LifePerfect Not PerfectionThe Cure for AnxietyThe Way We Think About and Treat OthersRight AwayTax Collectors and SinnersChoosing Christ Above AllThe Yoke of LearningHope In His NameWhere Did He Learn ThisImmediatelyFrom the HeartOn This RockMustard Seed FaithTrue HumilityMission ImpossibleMoved with Compassion
February
Change Your MindInvitationDrop the MaskGood News ProclaimedDid or Did NotYour Accent Gives You AwayEli, Eli, Lama SabachthaniThe EndIf You Are WillingSins Are ForgivenCrazy!Silence! Be Still!Saw and Heard – Jesus Something BlessedEphphathaRight PerspectiveSalt and PeaceServe Not ServedRemoving DifficultiesAbundance vs Poverty
March
Never FailAnointing, Betrayal, and DenialCarry Jesus’s CrossRolling StonesGod Will Never FailSalvation In Three StoriesSlaves and SandalsThe Lord's Favor Has ComeCalling All SinnersActing As ChildrenDo You See This WomanPreaching and Announcing the Good NewsWhen We Can’tGo and Do the SameHow You Should PraySet on FireOne More ChanceTake the Lowest PlaceNotoriously Lost, But Now FoundHow Great a ChasmFaith to ForgivePray and Never Give Up
April
The Way to PeaceCornerstoneGiven EverythingThat’s Enough EntitledEarly on a Sunday MorningFull of Grace and TruthDo Whatever He Tells YouJoy CompleteBelieve What Jesus SaidWhen Traditions Get In The WayBelieve and KnowKnow the WordDisciples – Know the Word, Truth, and FreedomI’m The OneEternal Life & Eternal SecurityLoose Him, and Let Him GoLifted UpLast WordsBelieveChristlike LoveSorrow To Joy