A book for seasons of waiting, reflection and renewed hope.
Can God Use Delay? · Raphael O. Ajiboye
DO YOU CAUSE DELAY?
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DO YOU CAUSE DELAY?
Do you cause delay or experience delay? It might seem like a daunting question, but let me simplify it: Do you procrastinate? Do you defer processes or impede their flow? If you ask me, I'm certain you know the answer – it's a resounding YES! Personally, I've made progress in overcoming this tendency, and I hope you're making strides too. I sincerely pray that you are! The essence of being human, especially one blessed with free will, has led to numerous instances of delay. Have you ever considered how many times your decision to act or not, regardless of its quality, has resulted in delays? Have you pondered how your choices, whether good or bad, have caused delays?
Delay became part of the human experience when Adam, the first man, pointed us all toward the wrong tree bearing bitter fruits.
Put an end to your worries and embrace the truth: in Adam, we inherited delays. This is why we need a savior.
Whether the world likes it or not, regardless of the rapid pace of technological advancements, all of which are manifestations of God's mercy, humanity is
bound to encounter delays. Understanding that Satan is the cause of these delays, it is crucial to recognize that he capitalizes on your mistakes to ensure setbacks. That's why salvation isn't merely an escape from this world to a glorious heaven. Salvation through Jesus’ completed works elevates you to the divine realm, aligning you with the goodness of God. In this elevated state, God not only works within you but also works for you and through you, eliminating unnecessary delays. This salvation places you in a class where your decisions and choices are guided by the gospel of grace, shielding you from erroneous choices that could lead to delays.
I don't care who the man is or what he has done, whether he possesses riches or not. He will inevitably face delays due to his own actions until he wholeheartedly embraces Jesus and the gospel of grace. Once he says yes to Jesus and is saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within him. If he remains consciously connected to the Father daily, there will be no unnecessary delays, not even caused by the devil! Why? The gospel, the words of Jesus that you constantly imbibe, will enable the Holy Spirit to guide you in making right decisions and avoiding evil. Moreover, it will harmonize all things for your good!
WHO OR WHAT ELSE CAUSES DELAY?
Now, you understand Satan's inclination towards delay. Having witnessed how salvation and the gospel serve as your sole antidote to avoiding personal delays, consider: who or what else could potentially cause a delay?
Nature and Events
At the top of the list are nature and events. Disregarding the fact that we inhabit a world filled with structures and natural phenomena that profoundly influence both circumstances and human endeavors would be sheer ignorance. We have little control over everyday natural events. How can one prevent heavy rain from impeding movement and delaying tasks? How can anyone address an unforeseen event causing a disruption in plans? These events can be natural or orchestrated by individuals and institutions. To a large extent, there is almost nothing one can do except trust in the divine force that governs time, hoping for favor during times when nature and events cause delays.
People’s Choice
The next significant factor causing delays is people's choices. Do not be deceived; millions of people worldwide make decisions and choices daily that directly or indirectly impact your life, sometimes leading to delays. I earnestly urge parents to approach parenting with greater seriousness, purpose, and intentionality, as they are the primary influencers in a child’s life, determining whether they will face prolonged delays. Moreover, as a child grows, their knowledge, which shapes their decisions, is pivotal to experiencing fewer delays in life.
Education and the Structures One Grow in
Have you ever considered the impact of the education and community structures one grows up in? The environment, whether supportive or stifling, significantly influences an individual's journey. Men and women navigate
these structures revealing whether they contribute to progress or hindrance. Beyond personal choices, the leadership of nations, offices, local churches, and governments also plays a pivotal role. Their decisions can either pave the way for seamless growth or cause frustrating delays.
Consider a scenario where a person is placed in an environment where delays are inevitable due to the actions of others. Man's decisions, be they wise or unwise, can directly affect your life's trajectory. Choices made by individuals can either lead to delays or ensure progress at the right moment. What's troubling is that we often have no control over these decisions made by others.
The solution lies in encouraging every individual to make choices that facilitate growth, without impeding others' progress.
While prayer and fasting have their place, the ultimate remedy is a collective commitment to righteousness.
Imagine a world where everyone is guided by a higher purpose, ensuring that delays are eradicated. It is this transformation, where individuals are imbued with the Holy Ghost, guiding their actions and timings, that holds the key to uninterrupted growth.
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