The God Who Never Arrives Late Series

THE GOD WHO NEVER ARRIVES LATE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 11:1-7, 20-27, 39-44

Key Verse:

“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” — John 11:40

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1,11; Habakkuk 2:3; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 60:22; 2 Peter 3:9

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest tests of faith is timing. We pray, we believe, we wait—and sometimes it seems as though heaven is silent. When answers delay and situations intensify, it is easy to conclude that God is late. Yet Scripture teaches us that divine timing is never defective.

In John 11, Jesus intentionally delayed His visit to Lazarus. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. From a human perspective, it was too late. But from a divine perspective, it was the exact moment for a greater manifestation of glory.

God does not operate according to human clocks. He exists outside time, yet He governs it perfectly. When He appears, it is neither premature nor overdue. He is the God who never arrives late.

1. GOD’S DELAYS ARE DIVINELY ORDAINED

What appears as delay is often intentional design.

a) A Set Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven, proving that events unfold according to divine schedule.

b) Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time (Habakkuk 2:3)

Though the promise may tarry, it will surely come and will not delay beyond God’s appointed moment.

c) God Makes All Things Beautiful in His Time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Divine timing produces outcomes that are complete, mature, and perfectly aligned with purpose.

d) The Lord Is Not Slow (2 Peter 3:9)

God is not slack concerning His promise, but operates with intentional patience and purpose.

Biblical Example:

Jesus deliberately remained where He was before going to Bethany (John 11:6), ensuring that the miracle would display greater glory than an earlier intervention.

2. GOD USES TIMING TO INCREASE FAITH

Waiting seasons stretch and strengthen spiritual endurance.

a) Trusting Beyond Feelings (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Leaning not on your own understanding sustains faith when God’s timing seems unclear.

b) Strength Renewed in Waiting (Isaiah 40:31)

Those who wait upon the Lord receive renewed strength, proving that waiting is productive, not passive.

c) Faith Before Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We walk by faith, not by sight, trusting God’s unseen timetable.

d) Expectation Without Doubt (James 1:3-4)

The testing of faith produces patience, which matures believers for greater glory.

Biblical Example:

Abraham waited years for Isaac, yet at the appointed time Sarah conceived (Genesis 21:1–2), demonstrating that divine promises mature exactly when God intends.

3. GOD’S ARRIVAL BRINGS UNDENIABLE GLORY

When God intervenes, His timing magnifies His power.

a) Present Help in Trouble (Psalm 46:1)

God is a very present help, arriving precisely when needed most.

b) Sudden Acceleration (Isaiah 60:22)

At the right time, the Lord hastens fulfillment, showing that delay can give way to sudden manifestation.

c) Divine Reversal (Esther 9:1)

On the very day the enemy expected victory, God turned the situation around.

d) Resurrection Power (John 11:43-44)

Jesus called Lazarus forth after four days, proving that God’s timing surpasses human limitation.

Biblical Example:

The Red Sea parted when Israel had no other option (Exodus 14:21–22), revealing that God’s intervention at the critical moment brings maximum glory.

4. GOD’S PERFECT TIMING PRODUCES LASTING TESTIMONY

What God does at the right time endures.

a) Established Blessings (Proverbs 10:22)

The blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow, indicating completeness in divine timing.

b) Fulfilled Promise Brings Joy (Psalm 126:2-3)

When the Lord turned captivity, laughter filled their mouths because the testimony was undeniable.

c) Confidence in Future Promises (Romans 8:28)

Knowing that God works all things for good builds lasting assurance.

d) Assurance of Completion (Philippians 1:6)

He who began a good work will perform it until completion.

Biblical Example:

Joseph’s elevation from prison to palace occurred in a single day at the appointed time (Genesis 41:14, 39-41), proving that when God arrives, destiny shifts permanently.

CONCLUSION

The God who never arrives late may not conform to human expectations, but He is always faithful to His divine schedule. What appears as delay is often preparation. What feels like silence is often strategic positioning for greater glory.

Do not measure God’s faithfulness by the ticking of the clock. Trust His sovereignty, remain steadfast in faith, and hold firmly to His promises. When He steps into your situation, you will realize that He was never late, He was perfectly on time.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to trust Your perfect timing in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen my faith during seasons of waiting in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every anxiety concerning delayed answers in Jesus name.

4. Lord, align my expectations with Your divine schedule in Jesus name.