Don’t Delay

Don’t Delay
written by Chris Baker

The very last sentence of Psalm 40 says, “O my God, do not delay” (NIV). Does it ever seem that God is delaying? Perhaps you or a loved one are facing a difficult time and wonder if the situation will ever end. Maybe you are waiting on a deal to go through, or a mortgage to finalize, or a project to start, or a virus to end! Especially in times like this I cry out, “O my God, do not delay” (NIV). Where is He? What is taking Him so long to respond? Will He come in time? Come on, don’t delay!!! Have you ever felt this way? 

The Bible shows that we are not the only ones that feel this way. Could it be that God delays for a reason? Maybe He is trying to teach us something through the process. James says that perseverance is developed when our faith is tested (James 1:2-3). Perhaps God is teaching you to rely more upon Him. There are other times in Scripture when God purposefully delays so that His glory may be revealed. The story of Lazarus is a perfect example of this. 

Lazarus was dying, so his sisters Mary and Martha, sent word for Jesus to come at once. Lazarus was a very close friend to Jesus so one would think that Jesus would leave without delay. Although, Scripture shows Jesus doing the exact opposite! He purposefully waits an additional day before leaving. Needless to say, when Jesus finally does arrive, the sisters are upset because Lazarus has been dead now for four days! After further conversation, Jesus goes to the tomb and raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11). Jesus intentionally delayed his journey, so that Lazarus would die, all the while knowing that He was going to raise Him from the dead. 

This side of heaven we do not know why God does what He does. I guess that is why we are not God! Whether He delays in responding or not, He has a purpose and a reason for it. Many times, we are not privy to the reason why. Nothing takes the Lord by surprise because He knows all things. He knows the beginning from the end and everything in between. Do not trouble yourself when the Lord delays because there may be a reason for the delay! 

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