DESTINY CAN BE DELAYED BUT NOT DENIED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 37:5-11, Genesis 41:39-41
Key Verse: “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art.” (Genesis 41:39)
Supporting Texts: Habakkuk 2:3; Romans 8:30; Isaiah 14:27; Psalm 105:17-19
INTRODUCTION
Destiny often begins with a promise but unfolds through process. Joseph received dreams of greatness as a young man, yet his journey toward fulfillment included betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment. The promise was clear, but the path was complex.
Delay can be discouraging. It can create doubt, frustration, and questions about God’s faithfulness. However, Scripture consistently reveals that delay is not denial. When God ordains a destiny, no human resistance or unfavorable circumstance can permanently cancel it.
The appointed time may tarry, but it will surely come.
1. DESTINY IS ANNOUNCED BEFORE IT IS MANIFESTED
God often reveals purpose long before it becomes reality.
a) The Dream Before the Process (Genesis 37:5-7)
Joseph’s dreams revealed his future authority, yet they arrived before he possessed the maturity or environment necessary for their fulfillment. The revelation preceded the refinement.
b) Vision Requires Patience (Habakkuk 2:3)
The vision is for an appointed time. Though it may seem delayed, it moves steadily toward completion according to divine timing.
c) Early Rejection Does Not Cancel Divine Election
Joseph’s brothers rejected his dream, but their disbelief could not nullify God’s declaration.
d) Promise Precedes Preparation
God shows the destination first, then walks us through the journey that prepares us to handle it responsibly.
Biblical Example: David was anointed king while Saul still reigned. Years passed before the throne became his reality (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:4).
2. DELAY IS A SEASON OF DEVELOPMENT, NOT DENIAL
The waiting period shapes character and capacity.
a) Tested by the Word (Psalm 105:17-19)
Joseph was bound and afflicted until the word of the Lord tested him. Delay served as refinement, not rejection.
b) Growth in Adversity
Slavery and imprisonment cultivated administrative skill, emotional intelligence, and spiritual depth necessary for leadership.
c) Divine Silence Is Not Divine Absence
Even when progress seemed invisible, God remained actively orchestrating events behind the scenes.
d) Preparation for Sustainability
Premature promotion without preparation can destroy destiny. Delay ensures endurance.
Biblical Example: Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before leading Israel, demonstrating that preparation precedes public assignment (Exodus 3:1-10).
3. OPPOSITION CANNOT OVERRIDE DIVINE PURPOSE
Human resistance cannot overturn divine intention.
a) Betrayal Could Not Cancel the Dream (Genesis 37:28)
Being sold into slavery appeared to contradict the promise, yet it became the pathway to Egypt, the place of fulfillment.
b) False Accusation Could Not Destroy Favor (Genesis 39:20-21)
Though imprisoned unjustly, the Lord’s presence preserved Joseph’s destiny.
c) God’s Counsel Shall Stand (Isaiah 14:27)
When God stretches out His hand, no one can turn it back. His purpose remains firm despite opposition.
d) Sovereignty Secures the Outcome (Romans 8:30)
Those God predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified. The process may vary, but the outcome is assured.
Biblical Example: Despite Haman’s plot, Esther’s position in the palace became the instrument of deliverance for her people (Esther 4:14; 7:3-6).
4. THE APPOINTED TIME BRINGS UNDENIABLE MANIFESTATION
When the season arrives, destiny unfolds swiftly and unmistakably.
a) Sudden Elevation (Genesis 41:14)
In one day, Joseph moved from prison to palace. Years of delay culminated in divine acceleration.
b) Recognition of Divine Wisdom (Genesis 41:39-41)
Pharaoh publicly affirmed Joseph’s authority, confirming that the dream had matured into reality.
c) Fulfillment Beyond Expectation
Joseph not only ruled Egypt but preserved nations and reconciled his family.
d) Glory That Justifies the Process
The magnitude of the ending revealed that the delay had purpose.
Biblical Example: Job’s latter end was blessed more than his beginning, proving that restoration can exceed original prosperity (Job 42:12).
CONCLUSION
Destiny can be delayed, but it cannot be denied when God is its author. The journey may include setbacks, silence, and struggle, but none of these can cancel divine intention.
Delay refines, opposition strengthens, and waiting deepens trust. When the appointed time arrives, fulfillment will speak louder than frustration ever did.
If God has spoken concerning your life, hold firm. The promise may be delayed, but it will not be denied.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen my faith in seasons of delay in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me embrace preparation during waiting in Jesus name.
3. Father, protect my destiny from discouragement in Jesus name.
4. Lord, refine my character for future elevation in Jesus name.
5. Father, overturn every opposition standing against my purpose in Jesus name.
6. Lord, align me with my appointed time in Jesus name.
7. Father, preserve me through every testing season in Jesus name.
8. Lord, transform delay into divine development in Jesus name.
9. Father, grant me patience to endure until fulfillment in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my destiny manifest undeniably in Jesus name.
