March 19th, 2024

Two Types of Delay

Today, I learned that there are two different kinds of delay. One is meant for good, aligning with the idea that “Everything takes time” or “God’s timing is always perfect.” These sayings hold great value and truth. Biblically speaking, I believe that God has a plan for each of us, and sometimes things don’t happen when we think they should. This is often a difficult pill to swallow, and I have personally struggled with this throughout my life. However, I believe that God uses these delays to draw us closer to Him and teach us reliance on His plan.

I can only speak for myself, but I have never felt closest to God on a mountaintop. I have felt closest to Him in the valleys, when the future feels uncertain and endless. For example, I spent nine months without a job, constantly wondering if an opportunity would ever present itself. Would there ever be an open door that aligned with my passions and goals? Ironically, just today, I was confirmed for a job that I am incredibly excited about. The wait took time, but looking back, I see the purpose behind it. Had I received an opportunity months ago, it would have conflicted with where I am now.

This experience reaffirmed for me that God is a God of suddenly. Suddenly, He places what you thinking is the love of your life in front of you and changes your world for the better. Suddenly, the perfect job opportunity appears, and all of those unanswered prayers become clear. This type of delay may not make sense in the moment. You may ask God day after day why He has you in a waiting season, but soon enough, everything will fall into place. I can say this with confidence because I am living this truth.

The second type of delay is one that the enemy uses to distract us from what is meant for us. The devil can use delay as a tool to hinder us from walking into the opportunities God has placed before us. We often become distracted by worldly things, even though we hear that inner voice nudging us toward something we know we should be doing. For me, that was writing again. Over the past week, I have felt drawn to return to blogging. Today, I received multiple signs that I need to stay consistent in God’s word and write about the things that inspire me. When I truly dedicate time to this, not rushed, not distracted, I allow my mind to explore new concepts and interpretations. This is when I feel closest to God.

I haven’t consistently done this for a while now, but I believe I’ve received enough signs to start again, just as I did in September of last year. That was when I randomly began journaling, and one day, I found myself writing fifteen pages. I remember thinking, When did I start enjoying writing blogs just for fun? Unfortunately, I stopped prioritizing writing blogs, and I let writing slip away for some time. Looking back, I’ve realized that so many exciting things have happened between then and now, and I find myself questioning, What kind of delay was this?

The Role of Free Will and Open Doors

I believe that everything happens for a reason, but I also acknowledge that God gives us free will. He is the one who opens and closes doors, but it is up to us to recognize those opportunities and act on them. We can have doors opened for us, but if we allow distractions to consume us, we may miss them entirely. Alternatively, we can embrace what is in front of us and take action. Sometimes, all it takes is planting the seed – one small step – to walk through the door God has prepared for us. Ed Mylett’s book The Power of One More offers a powerful and in-depth perspective on this very point.

The Danger of Manifestation

I also believe that delays can stem from false manifestations. Many people get caught up in the idea that if they simply think about something enough or put it out into the universe, it will magically happen. However, I don’t believe that’s always reality. In fact, I would go so far as to say that manifestation can be an energy that the enemy himself uses to deceive us. Our lives are built on two things: God’s plan and free will. We can do anything with the opportunities God gives us, but expecting something to happen simply because we wish for it isn’t enough. The idea that “if I do something good for my neighbor today, the universe will return the favor” doesn’t work.

Proverbs 13:12 states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” This verse suggests that merely hoping for the best and relying on the universe to work in our favor can lead to disappointment. When we later realize the opportunities God placed in front of us that we were too blind to see, we risk having a heart full of regret.

Revelation 10:6 says, “And he swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and said, ‘There will be no more delay.’” This verse serves as a reminder that God is in control of time. Delays don’t last forever, and when His timing aligns with our readiness, He will remove the barriers that have held us back.

Final Thoughts: Breaking the Yoke of Delay

Time is valuable, and our lives are shaped by how we choose to use it. Some delays are divine, teaching us patience and dependence on God. Others are distractions, meant to deter us from fulfilling our purpose. Recognizing the difference between the two is crucial.

If you’re currently in a waiting season, I encourage you to trust that God has a reason for it. Seek Him in the quiet moments, take small steps toward your goals, and remain patient. When the right door opens, you’ll understand why the wait was necessary. Until then, break the yoke of delay by staying faithful, diligent, and ready to walk into what God has prepared for you.