Sermon Central
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Delayed But Not Denied
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 14, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Delay is not the end of the story. It is only a chapter in the book of your testimony. When God delays, it is not because He is ignoring you but because He is preparing something better. Trust in His perfect timing.
DELAYED BUT NOT DENIED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Habakkuk 2:3
Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Genesis 18:10-14, John 11:21-23, Isaiah 60:22, Psalm 27:14
INTRODUCTION:
Delay is one of life’s most difficult experiences, especially when you have prayed, believed, and waited with faith. Many believers begin to doubt God's promises and question His timing when things do not happen according to their expectations. But delay is not denial. When God delays, it is for a reason, a season, and ultimately, for His glory.
The God we serve operates according to divine timing, not human deadlines. His thoughts are higher than ours, and His timetable is perfect. There are things He allows to be delayed—not to punish us—but to prepare us for what is coming.
If you’ve been waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, or a fulfilment of prophecy, be encouraged. The delay does not mean you have been denied. God is still working, and when the time is right, He will make it happen.
1. GOD’S DELAY IS NOT GOD’S DENIAL
A delay in manifestation is not a cancellation of God’s promise.
a) God's timing is always perfect (Habakkuk 2:3)
Though it tarries, the vision will surely come to pass because God does not forget His word.
b) Delays test our faith and refine our character
The waiting season builds trust, humility, and obedience (Romans 5:3-5).
c) God often works behind the scenes during delay
While you wait, He’s preparing people, places, and provisions.
d) Delay teaches us dependence on God, not on our strength
It shifts our focus from the gift to the Giver.
Biblical Example: Abraham and Sarah waited years for Isaac, but God fulfilled His promise at the set time (Genesis 18:10-14).
2. DIVINE DELAY LEADS TO GREATER GLORY
Sometimes God allows delay so that when the miracle happens, it carries a weight of glory.
a) God wants to exceed our expectations
Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that He can do exceedingly above all we ask or think.
b) A delay makes room for a greater testimony
When God steps in after a delay, His intervention is more obvious and undeniable.
c) God delays to draw attention to His power and sovereignty
The delay magnifies His name when the breakthrough comes.
d) Delayed blessings often come with double portion rewards
God restores lost time and adds compensation (Joel 2:25).
Biblical Example: Lazarus was dead four days, but Jesus delayed on purpose to reveal His power over death (John 11:21–23, 40).
3. DELAYS PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR DESTINY
God delays because He is developing you to handle what He has promised.
a) Delay gives time for spiritual maturity
Before receiving the promise, we must be ready to sustain it.
b) God delays so that pride does not destroy the blessing
He wants our hearts to be pure before elevation.
c) Delays create endurance and deepen intimacy with God
The more we wait on Him, the more we learn to lean on Him.
d) Divine delay equips you with wisdom for your future assignment
God shapes leaders in the place of waiting.
Biblical Example: David was anointed as king as a youth but waited many years before sitting on the throne (1 Samuel 16:13 – 2 Samuel 5:4).
4. WAITING ON GOD IS NEVER WASTED TIME
When God asks you to wait, He is also working on you.
a) God strengthens those who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:31)
Waiting is a spiritual discipline that renews strength.
b) Waiting helps us differentiate between good and God’s best
Haste can bring regret; divine delay preserves destiny.
c) Patience in waiting is a mark of true faith
Faith that endures till the end will see the promise fulfilled.
d) God is never late—He is always on time (Isaiah 60:22)
At the appointed time, everything will align for your favour.
Biblical Example: Joseph waited in prison for years, but at the appointed time, he was elevated to the palace (Genesis 41:14-44).
5. THE END OF DELAY IS THE BEGINNING OF FULFILMENT
When God's time comes, nothing can stop the manifestation.
a) Divine acceleration follows divine delay
What was slow will suddenly move fast in God’s perfect timing.
b) God compresses years into moments of breakthrough
One day of divine intervention can undo years of pain.
c) When God moves, doors open effortlessly
You won’t need to force what grace has already finished.
d) Fulfilment brings joy that erases years of delay
The testimony makes you forget the suffering (John 16:21).
Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood waited 12 years but received instant healing when she touched Jesus (Mark 5:25–34).
CONCLUSION:
Delay is not the end of the story. It is only a chapter in the book of your testimony. When God delays, it is not because He is ignoring you but because He is preparing something better. Trust in His perfect timing.