
Facing the Times
Encouraging conquerors and movers, no quitters!
Restoring hope and faith...where souls are despaired.
Encouraging conquerors and movers, no quitters!
Restoring hope and faith...where souls are despaired.
Definition: Delay may be referred to as a postponement of an event or function; to cause to be later or slower than expected or desired; or a disruption of continuation (of a plan).
How often do you face delay? I have experienced several delays in my own life, and trust me, delays are not the sound of good news (or so we think). When you've been told that the dentist can't attend to you (in all your pain) no sooner than the next two months, it instantly discourages you. Or when the employer who interview you tells you that they would love to hire you, but we apologize that there is no vacancy at this point. We will keep your documents on file for future reference; it may instantly depress you. When you have an urgent surgery that has already been scheduled but the doctors tell you sorry that they will have to postpone to a later date, you can easily loose hope.
Our immediate reaction to delay would most likely often be feelings of anger, disappointment, or frustration which may lead to depression. To the hearer, a delay is bad news because there was an expectancy or desire that it will happen within a certain time. In times like these, it isn't easy to think straight or be positive. But, don't be discouraged, delays are not always bad news. If you are Christian, you will rest firmly on God's promise that "all things works together for good to them who love the Lord; to them who are called according to His purposes." -Romans 8:28.
In fact a delay could be the best news you may have ever received and if we believe that God does all things well then we won't worry about the timing in which that which was expected is accomplished. Not only does God does everything without flaw, but He is always on time. Your surgery may have delayed because God wants to give you the best doctors. You may have not been hired yet because God wants to bless you with a better job. While waiting on your air-flight to arrive, the representative announced that there has been a delay in your flight. Most likely this news will be disappointing but God may be using delays to either save you from troubles or to get you ready for something better.
A delay may mean any or all of the following:
The length of your delay doesn't avoid these possibilities. Be it a short or long or a very long delay God can use them for your good. Just trust Him! He knows what's best for you, has the best for you and He knows how to do it best.
Here's what not to do when you face delay: (save yourself some stress!)
How often do you face delay? I have experienced several delays in my own life, and trust me, delays are not the sound of good news (or so we think). When you've been told that the dentist can't attend to you (in all your pain) no sooner than the next two months, it instantly discourages you. Or when the employer who interview you tells you that they would love to hire you, but we apologize that there is no vacancy at this point. We will keep your documents on file for future reference; it may instantly depress you. When you have an urgent surgery that has already been scheduled but the doctors tell you sorry that they will have to postpone to a later date, you can easily loose hope.
Our immediate reaction to delay would most likely often be feelings of anger, disappointment, or frustration which may lead to depression. To the hearer, a delay is bad news because there was an expectancy or desire that it will happen within a certain time. In times like these, it isn't easy to think straight or be positive. But, don't be discouraged, delays are not always bad news. If you are Christian, you will rest firmly on God's promise that "all things works together for good to them who love the Lord; to them who are called according to His purposes." -Romans 8:28.
In fact a delay could be the best news you may have ever received and if we believe that God does all things well then we won't worry about the timing in which that which was expected is accomplished. Not only does God does everything without flaw, but He is always on time. Your surgery may have delayed because God wants to give you the best doctors. You may have not been hired yet because God wants to bless you with a better job. While waiting on your air-flight to arrive, the representative announced that there has been a delay in your flight. Most likely this news will be disappointing but God may be using delays to either save you from troubles or to get you ready for something better.
A delay may mean any or all of the following:
- An opportunity for God's training or better preparation.
- God's desire to bless you with the best or something better.
- God's way of reminding you that His way is best.
- A test of your faith in God. (You must trust God's guidance)
- God wants to teach you the importance of waiting (on His timing).
The length of your delay doesn't avoid these possibilities. Be it a short or long or a very long delay God can use them for your good. Just trust Him! He knows what's best for you, has the best for you and He knows how to do it best.
Here's what not to do when you face delay: (save yourself some stress!)
- Don't fear! There isn't any situation in life that you face alone. God is facing each one with you. Believe or not, yes, He is there with you. We tend to forget that and when we do we become fearful. Fear keeps you in the wilderness. So, don't fear! Be strong and of a good courage. God won't leave you alone.
- Don't fret! "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him ; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the ma who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Pslam 37:7-8, " Wait and trust in the Lord. don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed. Don't get angry. Don't be upset, it only leads to trouble. (NCV). Fretting leads to worry and worry leads to a lack of faith. Don't fret, but be faithful to God. Don't get uptight, instead get upright with God. Be patient and trust God's timing. Eccl. 3:11, "God has set the right time for everything." His timing is perfect.
- Don't faint! When you face delays in life, it's not the time to loose heart and give up. Instead, keep believing, keep praying, trust God and wait. He will give you the strength to wait. "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31
- Don't forget! You may going through a delay phase right now. You're praying about something and it has not yet happened. "Well, either God did not hear me or he has forgotten about me." No, my friend God has not forgotten you! He heard you, and He will answer. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." -Isaiah 65:24. A delayed answer does not mean unanswered. But it is simply God''s way of saying just wait. It is great opportunity to show God how much you love and trust Him because if we truly love and believe in him there is no condition that could deter us from loving Him. God is faithful to us, but how faithful are we to Him? Don't forget, God's timing is best! His delays doesn't mean denial but it could simply mean that you are not ready for that blessing . He knows what we need, when we need it. He will be there just in time. He will not fail you!