When Your Helper Is Delayed, What Do You Do? Series

WHEN YOUR HELPER IS DELAYED, WHAT DO YOU DO?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Habakkuk 2:3

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31, Daniel 10:12-14, 1 Samuel 30:6-8, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest challenges in life is dealing with delays, especially when waiting for divine help. The Bible makes it clear that God orchestrates destiny helpers, but what happens when those helpers do not come as expected? Many believers become discouraged, frustrated, or even tempted to compromise their faith in moments of delay.

God's timing is always perfect, yet as humans, we often struggle with impatience. Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that though the vision tarries, we must wait for it. Similarly, Daniel experienced a delay when his answer was hindered by spiritual opposition (Daniel 10:12-14). These examples teach us that delays are not denials but part of God's divine process.

When your helper is delayed, you must remain steadfast in faith, understanding that God is still at work. This study explores practical and biblical steps to take when divine help seems to be delayed.

1. TRUST IN GOD'S TIMING AND PLAN

When help is delayed, it is crucial to trust that God is working behind the scenes.

a) God's timing is perfect – Even when we feel delayed, God is never late (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

b) Delay does not mean denial – Some answers take time to manifest, as seen in Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 10:12-14).

c) God’s ways are higher than ours – His plans are beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

d) Waiting on God strengthens faith – Patience produces spiritual maturity (James 1:3-4).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham and Sarah – Their promise of a child took years, but God fulfilled it in His time (Genesis 21:1-2).

2. STAY IN PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Many delays are spiritual, requiring fervent prayer and warfare.

a) Some delays are caused by spiritual opposition – Like Daniel’s 21-day delay due to demonic resistance (Daniel 10:12-13).

b) Persistent prayer brings breakthroughs – Jesus taught the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8).

c) Engage in fasting and warfare prayers – Some breakthroughs require deep spiritual engagement (Matthew 17:21).

d) Pray for divine acceleration – God can restore lost time and opportunities (Joel 2:25).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s prayer for rain – He persisted in prayer until he saw the cloud (1 Kings 18:42-44).

3. DEVELOP PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE

Delay teaches endurance and trust in God's process.

a) Patience is a mark of spiritual maturity – Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).

b) Trials produce perseverance – Suffering builds character and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

c) Avoid hasty decisions out of frustration – Impatience can lead to costly mistakes, like Saul's premature sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

d) Focus on God's promises rather than circumstances – Faith is holding on despite delays (Hebrews 10:35-36).

e) Biblical Example: Job’s endurance – Despite severe trials, he waited on God and was restored (Job 42:10).

4. REMAIN FAITHFUL IN YOUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT

While waiting, stay diligent in what God has entrusted to you.

a) Be faithful in small things – God promotes those who are diligent (Luke 16:10).

b) Do not abandon your place of service – Continue serving, even in waiting (1 Corinthians 15:58).

c) Keep developing yourself – Prepare for your breakthrough (Proverbs 22:29).

d) Maintain a spirit of gratitude and worship – Thanksgiving opens doors (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph remained faithful – Though delayed in prison, he stayed diligent, which led to his promotion (Genesis 41:14, 38-41).

5. AVOID NEGATIVE ATTITUDES AND IMPATIENCE

A wrong attitude can prolong your waiting season.

a) Avoid complaining and murmuring – The Israelites' complaints extended their wilderness journey (Numbers 14:26-29).

b) Resist discouragement and doubt – Faith is essential for receiving from God (Mark 11:23-24).

c) Do not seek ungodly alternatives – Sarah’s impatience led to Ishmael’s birth, creating problems (Genesis 16:1-4).

d) Surround yourself with faith-filled people – Negative company can weaken your faith (1 Corinthians 15:33).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites in the wilderness – Their negative attitude delayed their entry into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:26-36).

6. EXPECT DIVINE COMPENSATION FOR DELAYS

When God finally moves, He often restores what was lost.

a) God repays with interest – He restores the years the enemy stole (Joel 2:25).

b) Delays often lead to greater testimonies – God’s blessings are worth the wait (Psalm 126:1-2).

c) God’s reward is always greater than expected – Job received double for his trouble (Job 42:10).

d) Divine delays often prepare you for something better – Joseph's prison delay led to his palace appointment (Genesis 41:41-43).