The Delay Is Strategic ናሙና

The Delay Is Not Denial, It’s Strategic

Still waiting on God, huh? It’s easy to feel frustrated or disheartened when our prayers seem unanswered and our plans are put on hold. But what if those delays are part of a greater strategy? In Habakkuk 2:3, we read, “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time. It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.” This verse should remind us that God’s timing is always perfect. His delays are not denials but purposeful pauses designed to align us with His divine plan. As we navigate these periods of waiting, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that every delay is strategic and purposeful, leading us closer to the fulfillment of His promises.

In seasons of waiting on the fulfillment of God's plans and promises for our lives, we encounter delays. What is a delay? I'm glad you asked! To delay is to make someone or something late or slow. But I think it's important to distinguish delays from God and those from the enemy.

Divine delays are from God for our ultimate benefit. It is meant to prepare us for something greater. When we experience a delay from God it aligns with His perfect timing and to get us on the path of His perfect will.

On the other hand, delays from the enemy are purposed to hinder or derail us from fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for our lives. The enemy uses delays as attempts to weaken our faith and cause us to lose sight of the promises of God.

Not only is the enemy a culprit to delays, but unfortunately, some delays to our hearts' desires and answered prayers are our self, which I like to call Self-Delay. Self-delay is the result of our actions, decisions, or lack of action. For example, procrastination, sin, disobedience, and distractions result in missed opportunities.

Now that we have defined and distinguished different types of delays in our Christian lives, we will better understand how to respond to them with faith and discernment, trusting in God’s timing and resisting any hindrances from the adversary.

In this Bible plan, we will focus on how delays from God are not denials but strategic. In the next six days, we will talk about five reasons why God's hand is involved in delays. I pray that by the end of this devotion, we will be encouraged as we understand that God's delay in fulfilling His promises or answering our prayers is not because he does not want to - instead, it is a demonstration of His love for us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your wisdom and perfect timing. Help me to remember that Your delays are not denials but strategic pauses meant for my growth and alignment with Your will. Throughout this devotion, grant me wisdom and understanding. Guide my thoughts and actions and let Your Word illuminate my path, bringing me closer to You and developing a deeper understanding of Your purpose for my life.

In Jesus' name. Amen