Delay Is Success Postponed (Part 2)

DELAY IS SUCCESS POSTPONED (PART 2)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 49:8

Supporting Texts: Psalm 102:13, Isaiah 30:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Galatians 6:9, 1 Peter 5:10

INTRODUCTION:

In Part 1 of this message, we established that divine delay is not divine denial. It is God’s process of preparation and positioning. As believers, it is essential to understand that the timing of heaven is different from the calendar of man. What looks like a postponement in our eyes is a strategic alignment in God's agenda. Every delay carries with it the potential for multiplied impact and glory—if we don’t give up.

In this second part of the message, we will explore how to handle seasons of delay, how to sustain faith while waiting, and how to position ourselves for manifestation. God is never too late. You are simply being set up for something bigger, something better, and something that will exceed your expectations.

1. HOW TO HANDLE SEASONS OF DELAY

Delay can be discouraging, but there are godly ways to navigate it without losing focus or faith.

a) Guard your heart against bitterness (Hebrews 12:15):

Bitterness during delay corrupts your spirit and hinders the move of God. Stay pure and hopeful.

b) Keep praising God in the waiting (Psalm 34:1):

Praise invites God's presence and sustains your joy while you wait.

c) Avoid comparison with others (2 Corinthians 10:12):

Everyone’s journey is different. Comparing yourself to others can lead to frustration and envy.

d) Keep serving faithfully in your present season (Luke 16:10):

Faithfulness in little qualifies you for much. Don’t despise your current level.

Biblical Example: Zechariah and Elizabeth served faithfully in the temple even in their old age. Though delayed, God eventually gave them John the Baptist, a prophetic giant (Luke 1:5-25).

2. THE PURPOSE OF WAITING SEASONS

There are divine intentions behind every season of delay. When you understand the “why,” you’ll endure the “when.”

a) To produce eternal value (2 Corinthians 4:17):

Temporary delays produce far greater and lasting results in the spirit.

b) To humble and prepare your heart (Deuteronomy 8:2):

God uses waiting to teach dependence and shape our character.

c) To birth new dimensions of grace (1 Peter 5:10):

After suffering and waiting, God perfects, establishes, and strengthens you.

d) To reveal God’s glory (John 9:3):

Delays are often God's platform for displaying His unmatched power and glory.

Biblical Example: The man born blind waited for years before his healing. His case was delayed so that the works of God might be revealed in him (John 9:1-7).

3. SIGNS THAT YOUR DELAY IS ABOUT TO END

There are indicators that divine postponement is shifting toward divine fulfilment.

a) You begin to experience inner peace despite outer stagnation (Philippians 4:7):

God’s peace is a sign that breakthrough is near.

b) Divine instructions become clearer (Isaiah 30:21):

When God begins to give direction, manifestation is close.

c) Unusual favour begins to follow you (Psalm 102:13):

Favour is the fragrance of your set time.

d) Doors that were shut begin to open suddenly (Revelation 3:8):

Sudden open doors are a sign of divine timing coming into play.

Biblical Example: After years of obscurity, Esther found sudden favour before the king, signalling that her time had come to be used for national deliverance (Esther 5:1-3).

4. STAYING IN FAITH WHILE YOU WAIT

Maintaining faith during delay is not passive—it is active trust in God's faithfulness.

a) Feed on God’s promises daily (Romans 10:17):

Stay rooted in the Word to keep your faith alive.

b) Surround yourself with faith-filled voices (Hebrews 10:25):

What you hear consistently affects your belief system.

c) Pray consistently and fervently (1 Thessalonians 5:17):

Prayer strengthens your resolve and opens spiritual portals.

d) Speak life over your situation (Proverbs 18:21):

Your words can either extend or shorten your season.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood kept declaring within herself, “If I can just touch His garment...” Her faith did not waver, and her delay ended in a miracle (Mark 5:25-34).

5. WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER DELAY ENDS

God doesn’t just fulfil promises—He does it with excellence, abundance, and purpose.

a) Restoration with interest (Joel 2:25):

Everything lost during the delay will be restored with increase.

b) Divine speed (1 Kings 18:46):

When delay ends, you will outrun those who went ahead of you.

c) Overflowing joy and testimonies (Psalm 126:1-3):

What once caused you tears will become your song.

d) Fulfilment of long-standing promises (Isaiah 55:11):

God’s Word does not return void—it accomplishes what He pleases.

Biblical Example: After years of captivity, the Israelites experienced restoration and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and provision (Ezra 1:1-7).

CONCLUSION:

Delay is not a curse—it is a classroom. It teaches, shapes, refines, and aligns us with God’s best. If handled properly, it will not destroy your dream; it will fertilise it. Remember that you are not behind schedule—you are being prepared for divine performance. The longer the wait, the greater the glory. Trust God’s timing, and you will testify!