In this era of instant happenings and fast world, delay can be frustrating.  In the current normal we have to cue and wait our turn in the mall while maintaining the required social distance.  As we waited for our turn to get in the groceries store and shop today, I thought of how sometimes all that is needed in our spiritual walk is patience. 

Abraham and Sarah had received a promise,but the waiting appeared too long. In their rush to make the promise come true,they deviced a scheme which was outside God’s plan.

Their scheming caused unnecessary problems and pains. King Saul was another one who due to late arrival of Samuel the prophet decided he can do it all. A foolish act that angered God and His prophet.

There are many scenarios we can quote of people who found delay frustrating and they acted out of that frustration foolishly. I am sure you can relate too.

Since our time and God’s time is not measured the same, how can we deal with delay constructively?

Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him.

1 Samuel 13:11-12
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering.”

2 Corinthians 6:2

for He says,
“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Dealing with Delay https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/episodes/Dealing-with-Delay-egethd