Thirty, Flirty… and Feeling Behind?

Jesus’ ministry started when He was 30.

Three decades.

I turn 30 today. If you had asked me a year ago whether I’d be looking forward to this, I would’ve flat-out said no. Beyond that, I would’ve told you I wasn’t ready.

I wasn’t ready to meet another year without having made progress on anything this world tells you is important at this age. I’ve hit zero of the standard milestones society says you should have by now. I’m still single. I live with my parents. And I still feel stuck in the same place I was four years ago.

For a while, I wanted to put off thirty as long as I could. I needed more time. More time to catch up. I wanted 30 to be my "thirty, flirty, and thriving." I wanted to reach this age settled in a new home, in a steady relationship, living a vibrant life—whatever that means.

But as I came to accept that I wasn’t going to check any of those boxes by 30, I took my concerns to prayer. Another “Why, God?” Another “How long, God? How long will I be here?”

As I started to approach the big 3-0, I felt God whisper to my heart and remind me—of Him. If my life is supposed to reflect Jesus, maybe looking at His life could help me gain perspective on mine.

With a quick Google search, I was reminded: Jesus didn’t preach, didn’t have a ministry, and was relatively unknown for the majority of His life. A carpenter by trade, He wasn’t in the public eye. He came from humble beginnings and a lowly family. He was hidden.

He was only found in His Father’s house, with His family, practicing His trade. And that was His story—for 30 years.

Wow.

He didn’t have a ministry. He didn’t live what the world would call a “notable life” up to that point. Meanwhile, His cousin John was out preaching and baptizing in the Jordan River, gaining a following and growing his own ministry—declaring and preparing the people for the coming of Christ.

I don’t know about you, but if I were Jesus, I would so want to be there while John was talking about me. Like—Here I am!! I am He!!

But He didn’t do that. He stayed behind the scenes until it was His time. For reasons we don’t fully understand.

But here’s the part that gives me hope: if Jesus could wait until He was 30 to begin His ministry, so can I. If He could wait that long to step fully into the purpose God had for Him, then so can I.

When I realized that, my heart shifted from discouraged to encouraged. I started to believe that maybe God has something really good for me in year 30. Not that I would suddenly achieve all those things—but that in year 30, I could wait with eager anticipation for God to really show up in my life.

So now, I step into 30 with hope and expectation.

Here’s to 30. I’m excited for what this year will unfold for me.

If you're in a season of waiting too—whether you're 30 or not—I hope you’re reminded that God’s timing is still good. Take heart. Your story isn’t behind, it’s just being written. What has God been whispering to your heart in this season? I’d love to hear—drop a comment or send me a message.