A book for seasons of waiting, reflection and renewed hope.
Can God Use Delay? · Raphael O. Ajiboye
HOW GOD ALLOWS AND USES DELAY
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HOW GOD ALLOWS AND USES DELAY
I want to quickly show you how many characters, especially those associated with the gospel of Jesus, experienced delays in the Bible. I believe God was aware of these delays and allowed them because, in my belief, He could have intervened or released a word in time to prevent such delays from occurring.
ADAM’S FAMILY ERROR
For instance, evil entered the world through Adam's family error, and God knew about it. The solution lingered for hundreds of years. Why? God wanted the Devil to display his best. And when he did, at the appointed time, the solution manifested. It's an error to think that God simply folded His hands and allowed mankind to suffer due to Adam's error. That is not my God. If you study your Bible, you will realize that the solution was available even before Adam sinned.
The Bible states,
"All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"
(Revelation 13:8 NKJV)
The solution to Adam's sin was to have the lamb slain and Jesus crucified. But why didn't God collapse time to have Jesus crucified in the garden? Well, let me explain.
God, in His infinite goodness, orchestrated events to unfold at the perfect moment. What might have seemed like a delay was actually divine timing at work.
The devil unleashed his fiercest attacks, yet he couldn't thwart God's plan. Despite apparent delays, God's purpose prevailed. Dear friends, if you understand what was set in motion long before your perceived delays, you will find reason to rejoice every day! The men of faith, who glimpsed the resurrection and the promises, even though they hadn't come to pass in their time, responded to life in a remarkable way.
As the Bible says;
"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to
flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they
might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.”
(Hebrews 11:32-39 NKJV)
These men had nothing but the testimony of what would be, and even though it seemed delayed, they lived extraordinarily. Dear brothers and sisters, don't let delays define your life; instead, let them propel you into an extraordinary existence! Embrace the delay and get ready for an extraordinary life!
Despite what appears to be postponed, you can work in righteousness, obtain the promises, stop the mouths of lions that trouble you, quench the violence of fire against you, escape the edge of the sword, emerge from weakness and be strengthened in all your endeavors, become valiant in life's battles, turn the armies of aliens against you to flight, and witness dead things raised back to life. The men in the Scripture lived gloriously despite any delay, demonstrating that God can orchestrate delay to work for mankind.
THE STORY OF ABRAHAM, MOSES, AND THE ISRAELITES
ABRAHAM AND DELAY
You may be wondering about these sacred stories. Well, have you ever considered how God seems to allow certain events to unfold before the significant occurrences that were destined to happen? Take, for instance, the story of Isaac's birth, which was foretold even after Sarah had reached menopause. Why the complications in the narrative? Why involve Hagar? Why endure the prolonged wait and the accompanying stress? All of these questions boil down to one fundamental inquiry: why the delay?
Upon a closer examination of the account of Abraham, you'll notice that the promised son was not just about the arrival of a baby; it required Abraham and Sarah to have faith not only for their own family but for the nations. The focus on the promised son extended beyond their immediate joy – it had a profound significance in the grander scheme of things, particularly in relation to Jesus. The promised Isaac necessitated the development of a steadfast character rooted in faith and hope. Additionally, this delay allowed Abraham to cultivate his ability to create and manifest wealth, to intercede for nations, and to enjoy the privilege of fellowship with God, among other blessings.
During this period of waiting, Abraham was unknowingly preparing for something much greater. Just as in his story, your current circumstances might be leading you to something of immense importance. Remember, your delay holds a promise of something extraordinary!
Reflecting on the delay, one might question why God didn't expedite Isaac's birth right after the first intimate encounter between Abraham and Sarah. After all, He is God. But the divine plan involved a deliberate process. Looking back today, Abraham and Sarah are not only happier but also more fulfilled because of the delay. Abraham might say to Sarah, 'My dear, I am profoundly grateful for the delays we experienced,' and Sarah might respond, 'My king, I desire more delays with God, considering what I have witnessed Him accomplish in our lives!'.
If Abraham experienced such glorious outcomes despite delays and even sins, you can anticipate even more magnificent events during your own delays because you are now saved and righteous in Jesus! Believe me, you will soon be thankful for that delay, in Jesus’ name!
THE MAN OF GOD, MOSES, AND THE DELAY
Why did the man of God, Moses, and the Israelites experience such a prolonged delay? Why couldn't Moses have led the people out at the age of 40 and had to wait until he was 80? Why didn't the Israelites go straight to the land of Canaan and instead embark on a long journey? God permitted it, and I believe He could have simply spoken a word to ensure Moses's endeavours were successful and the Israelites' exit was stress-free. Yes, Moses and the people had their roles to play, but undoubtedly, the Almighty God could have intervened in a more direct manner. What do you think?
Interestingly, that delay made the story spectacular and full of miracles. Consider the astounding wonders: the manna in the wilderness, the sea splitting apart. In the midst of delays emerged a people surrounded by miracles and spectacles. With delays came a people overflowing with miracles! If you perceive it as a delay, then brace yourself for a journey filled with the miraculous and the spectacular! Are you still questioning whether God can use delays to manifest His wonders?
DAVID AND THE DELAY?
The story of David, as recorded in the Bible, is one of the most transformative narratives you will ever encounter. It vividly illustrates how God is intricately involved in every aspect of our lives, even in what appears to us as delays. As I mentioned earlier, the real essence lies in understanding what God is accomplishing during these waiting periods.
The delay itself isn't the issue; it's about having complete faith in what God is orchestrating amidst the wait. If we could grasp His divine purpose, many of us would find solace and even rejoice in our delays.
Consider the life of David. He once found himself at life's very bottom, yet he was destined to be king, anointed for the role. However, this anointing was followed by years of anticipation and patience. Did David receive secret assurances from God during his waiting period? It remains unrecorded if the prophet Samuel revealed the exact timeline of his ascension to the throne.
What we do know is that it wasn't a mere mortal who chose him for Israel's kingship; it was God who picked him and anointed him for this purpose.
Have you ever felt chosen and anointed by God for something, only to face seemingly endless delays? Take heart; you're not alone. David wore those same shoes! That delay you're experiencing is not a setback; it's a setup. God, in His infinite wisdom, is working tirelessly behind the scenes, aligning circumstances for your ultimate success. Embrace the process, for that delay is a testament to the extraordinary plan He has in store for you!
What do you call the periods of waiting in your life? For David, these waiting times were akin to wartime for the nation of Israel, where he had to combat formidable Giants. Yet, in his waiting times, he found victories, emerging triumphant in numerous battles. His waiting times became a chronicle of oppression under the rule of King Saul, facing the specter of death on a daily basis. David's waiting time turned into a period of constant evasion, a time of assuming a facade of madness, dwelling in caves, and surrounded by people who were distressed, in debt, and discontented.
Perhaps you find yourself oppressed by people or circumstances, eagerly anticipating a change. It's possible that you're caught in a cycle of distress, debt, and discontentment, much like David once was. Yet, regardless of the obstacles you face, know this: just as David did, you too can overcome your
challenges and emerge victorious from your struggles. What was David's state of mind during his own periods of delay and uncertainty? David was acutely aware of the covenant-keeping God, Yahweh. Throughout the book of 1st Samuel, we witness David's unwavering faith as he consistently refers to "The Lord". Embrace this consciousness, and like David, you too can find solace and strength in the divine, ensuring that you shall not just endure, but thrive amidst your delays.
The Bible says;
"Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
(I Samuel 17:37- 45 NKJV)
Oh, dear friend, amidst the delay, David had to endure and fight battles, accomplishing what many cannot fathom. During your waiting days, you ought to stand resolute for the divine purpose of God and His people. But what were David's credentials? Just one: the Lord! That should be your credential as well! The Lord Jesus is the sole foundation you should proudly boast of, just as David did in his moments of delay and in all your endeavors! You must be thoroughly convinced and wholly aware, if you are saved, that
in this period of waiting, as you anticipate the miracle, the outcome, or the assistance you seek, acknowledge and proclaim the undeniable truth: the Lord Jesus is by your side. He will entrust you with the tools for triumph, guiding your path in all your pursuits and endeavors, in the name of the Lord Jesus!
THE MAN JOSEPH
Imagine being in Joseph's shoes—thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of harassment, and then imprisoned. In those moments, hope and dreams would seem like distant fantasies. Joseph, the cherished son of Jacob, didn't just experience a delay in his dreams; it felt like they were entirely shattered!
Wherever you are and whatever situation you are in, my friend, you possess an even greater sense of hope! If Joseph could endure all those trials in a time when shadows veiled the truth, a time when the Lord Jesus had not yet died or resurrected, and yet nothing could impede his journey, then, dear brothers and sisters, we can be certain that no delay can hinder us either. We are embraced by an unwavering hope, a hope that remains steadfast despite any obstacle in our way.
What was Joseph's comfort as he endured a phase where his dreams were not just delayed, but seemingly cut off?
The Scripture tells us,
"The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. So it was, from the time he was made overseer of the house and all that his master owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had, both in the house and in the field"
(Genesis 39:2, 5, 23 NKJV)
Do you perceive Joseph's comfort? The Lord was with him! It's during the days of delay that you must firmly believe the Lord is with you. In these moments, the Lord Himself is not just sending angels, but He is with you. And if you're saved, the Lord is not merely with you, but He resides within you, and He will never abandon you. In fact, while Joseph had the Lord with him, you have the Lord, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within you during your delays. Yes, in those periods of waiting, the Lord is within you, guiding your path.
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