Delay Is Success Postponed (Part 1)

DELAY IS SUCCESS POSTPONED 1

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Habakkuk 2:3

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 60:22

INTRODUCTION:

Delay is never easy to endure, especially when our expectations are high, our prayers seem unanswered, and our dreams appear distant. In such moments, the temptation is to believe that delay means denial. But the Word of God assures us that delay, in God's agenda, is often a divine strategy for preparation, development, and perfect timing. Just because something hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

In Habakkuk 2:3, God says the vision is for an appointed time, and though it may tarry, it shall surely come. This reveals that God's delays are not denials; rather, they are moments in which He is orchestrating His will behind the scenes, aligning everything for our good. What seems like a setback is often a setup for a greater manifestation of His promise.

This message is to encourage every heart that is waiting—to let you know that success is not cancelled, it is only postponed. The God who made the promise is faithful to fulfil it at the appointed time.

1. GOD USES DELAY TO PREPARE YOU FOR THE PROMISE

When God delays, it is often for the purpose of preparing us internally to handle what we are believing Him for externally.

a) Delay develops character and endurance (Romans 5:3-4):

The process of waiting produces patience, perseverance, and maturity that enable us to sustain the blessing when it arrives.

b) God equips you during delay (James 1:4):

The waiting season allows for spiritual, emotional, and even practical growth that aligns you with your divine assignment.

c) Delay separates the uncommitted (John 6:66-68):

Sometimes, God allows time to prove the sincerity of our commitment to Him, beyond the gifts we seek.

d) Delay builds strong faith (Hebrews 6:12):

Faith and patience are the twin keys for inheriting the promises of God.

Biblical Example: Joseph experienced years of delay through slavery and prison, but it was all part of God's training program to prepare him for rulership in Egypt (Genesis 37–41).

2. DELAY DOES NOT CANCEL DESTINY

A delay in the fulfilment of your dream is not the death of your purpose. What God has ordained, He will bring to pass.

a) God's timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11):

God never arrives late; He acts at the moment that will bring Him the most glory and you the greatest good.

b) Delay protects you from premature exposure (Luke 2:52):

Jesus waited until age 30 before stepping into public ministry. Growth in wisdom and favour was necessary before manifestation.

c) Delay is often divine direction in disguise (Proverbs 16:9):

God may delay your plans because He’s redirecting you to a better outcome.

d) Trust God’s process, not just His promise (Psalm 37:7):

The road to fulfilment may seem long, but staying in step with God ensures lasting success.

Biblical Example: David was anointed as king in his youth, but he didn’t sit on the throne until years later. The delay was preparation, not denial (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 5).

3. GOD IS WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES DURING DELAY

While we may not see immediate results, God is never inactive. He is orchestrating events for our favour and victory.

a) Delay allows divine arrangements (Romans 8:28):

God causes all things—including delays—to work together for our good.

b) Delay enables spiritual warfare to complete (Daniel 10:12-13):

Sometimes answers are delayed due to resistance in the spiritual realm.

c) Delay gives room for repentance and maturity in others (2 Peter 3:9):

God might be working on people connected to your blessing.

d) Delay builds testimony (John 11:4):

The longer the wait, the greater the glory when the breakthrough finally comes.

Biblical Example: Lazarus was dead for four days, and many thought Jesus was late. But He came in His time and turned the delay into a miracle (John 11:1-44).

4. YOUR SUCCESS IS CERTAIN IN GOD’S TIME

No matter how long it takes, if God said it, He will do it. Your success is guaranteed if you stay in faith and obedience.

a) God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19):

His promises are sure, and He will fulfil every word He has spoken over your life.

b) What is delayed is still alive (Isaiah 46:10):

Even if your dreams appear dormant, they are still valid and will come to pass.

c) Your appointed time will not fail (Habakkuk 2:3):

The vision will speak—it may delay, but it cannot be stopped.

d) Success in God’s plan brings lasting impact (Isaiah 60:22):

When your time comes, it will happen swiftly and undeniably.

Biblical Example: Sarah waited for many years, but in the set time, Isaac was born, and the promise was fulfilled (Genesis 21:1-2).