How to Avoid Taking the Right Step at the Wrong Time — Lessons from Bishop Oyedepo

In life, career, and business, timing is everything. Missing the right timing window is often the difference between success and mediocrity. A step can be right, yet the outcome disastrously wrong, simply because it was taken at the wrong time. Often, failure is not the result of poor action, but poor timing.

One of the most powerful principles Bishop David Oyedepo emphasizes for discerning the right timing is the discipline of hearing from God before taking any step. This practice can be distilled into two core elements: meditation and inspiration.

Meditation is the art of focused contemplation, intense concentration, reflection, and thoughtful regurgitation on a subject. Inspiration, on the other hand, is the product of meditation. Simply put, meditation is the input; inspiration is the output. Meditation is the effort; inspiration is the result.

Unfortunately, many people are in such a hurry that they take the right actions at the wrong times, which is often no different from taking the wrong action at the right time.

Bishop Oyedepo has shared several examples that illustrate this truth. On one occasion, while meditating, he asked God why a particular church was not growing in a certain location. The inspiration he received was simple but profound: it was not the right time. In another instance, as the ministry prepared to embark on a massive 100,000-seat building project, meditation revealed that the timing was premature. The project was paused—and when the right time eventually came, it moved forward.

Below are five practical principles for effective meditation and inspiration:

1. Slow down

   The world is moving faster than ever, making slowing down increasingly valuable. When matters are critical, resist the urge to rush to judgment. Do not act merely on assumptions or recommendations. Many costly mistakes are made in haste, often followed by the painful realization: “Something told me not to do it.” Slowing down creates the space required for true meditation.

2. Schedule time to meditate

   Set aside at least 15 minutes daily to reflect on the previous day, the coming day, and the challenges ahead. While problems may demand effort, the right insight through inspiration can change everything. Too many people are consumed by what isn’t working and never pause long enough to discover what can work.

3. Write as you meditate

   Writing is one of the most powerful tools for capturing inspiration. Insight may come as phrases, sentences, images, or fragmented thoughts. Often, clarity emerges later through reflection. Without writing, critical pieces of guidance can easily be forgotten or lost.

4. Keep learning

   The quality of your inspiration is determined by what you have stored within. To receive refined and accurate insight, you must expose yourself to knowledge especially God’s Word, the Bible, as well as diverse facts and perspectives. Rich input produces rich inspiration.

5. Be consistent

   Inspiration sharpens through practice. Consistent meditation builds spiritual sensitivity and discernment, strengthening your ability to recognize not just the right step, but the right time to take it.

In summary, success hinges on doing the right thing at the right time. Through consistent meditation and inspiration, clarity replaces haste, mistakes are avoided, and effort is transformed into meaningful impact.