I hope you are doing well. Its almost christmas!. I can’t belive it, 2025 is almost a wrap. Isn’t God good (He is!). Now, there are still some days left in 2025. Hence, I want you to be expectant, God has a special gift for you wrapped in love with your name on it. He is a good God, restless to bless you as Pastor Kech would say.
Today we continue with our waiting series and we would be looking at Delay. Merriam-Webster defines “delay” as the act of postponing or causing something to happen more slowly than usual. In my journey, I’ve come to realise, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that waiting in faith is different from simply experiencing a delay. It’s essential to seek understanding about unusual situations rather than just assuming they are part of God’s plan.
The Bible tells us about King David in 1 Samuel 30:6-20. After returning from battle, he found that the enemy had captured people, leading his own men to consider stoning him out of fear and overwhelming grief. Yet, despite this turmoil, David found strength and encouragement in the Lord (verse 6). He didn’t just accept the situation; he inquired of the Lord. To “inquire” means to ask questions and seek clarity. It is not just enough to sit and say this is God’s will. We need to ask and not assume. This is why a close walk with the Lord is important, for He guides us and leads us into all truth (John 16:13). David asked God whether he should pursue the enemy, and God assured him that he would succeed in rescuing the captives (verse 8). Imagine David waiting, not asking and just accepting. That would have been a different story entirely.
This reminds me of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Medlicott Scriven. The first stanza highlights the importance of bringing our concerns to God in prayer, emphasising that often we forfeit peace and endure unnecessary pain simply because we don’t ask for His guidance.
Some may find themselves delayed in areas like marriage because they have not sought clarity on whether it is truly God’s will for them to wait. He is our Father and His thoughts towards us are of peace, wonderful. He gives good gift, He is kind and thoughtful, the list is endless. Just a single prayer or revelation could be what stands between you and your spouse. Without this inquiry, many remain in a valley of delay, mistaking it for faith.
The Bible encourages us to ask, and it will be given to us (Matthew 7:7). If you are experiencing a delay, reach out to God for direction. You might notice some patterns in your life or family that need to be addressed with God’s word and the direction of the Holy Spirit; failing to address these can lead to a reality where you are not genuinely waiting in faith, but rather in denial.
For some, deliverance from patterns of delay, obstacles, and hindrances is necessary. The Israelites faced challenges rooted in their past in Egypt; they kept chasing the pictures of Egypt. They had left physically, yet their mindset remained tied to Egypt, requiring a spiritual deliverance. Until that happened, it was like trying to put new wine into old wineskins—eventually, it wouldn’t hold.
For others, what you see as delay in your life might actually be God’s way of protecting you from the consequences of certain choices. It could also be His way of preparing your heart to truly grasp the importance of what you seek. There are moments when you may not be ready for the very things you desire, and without the right preparation, you risk misusing or even losing those blessings at some point. So, what seems like a delay could very well be God preparing your heart to endow you with the capacity and wisdom to steward the things you ask for. It is very important to always remember that there is our timing and then there is God’s timing, and He makes everything beautiful in His time, His own way and at His own pace. Ultimately, it is His Kingdom come, and His will be done.
Delays can sometimes stem from unrealistic expectations. Recently, I listened to Pastor Laju Iren’s audiobook, “Dating Intelligently,” available on Spotify. She highlights how some individuals remain single because they set their standards too high. While it’s commendable to have standards, it’s crucial to avoid being overly selective, especially regarding what can be negotiated. It’s essential to appreciate the potential in others—after all, no one is perfect.
This approach calls for attentiveness to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to adapt our desires to align with His guidance. Embracing flexibility in our journey with God is important, allowing us to remain open to His plans. Knowing what you want is valuable, but understanding God’s desires for you is even more significant. To make the right choices, we need to have discerning eyes, attentive ears, and a heart that is open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we cling too tightly to our preferences, we might overlook the gentle prompts of the Holy Spirit steering us towards the right path.
So, I encourage you today my friend, to ask questions, have a conversation with God about your current state and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Wait with Him and let Him give you His word, which is His promise to you; the scriptures confirming what He has impressed in your heart. Find your word in His word.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
