Ever thought you wanted something and yet it seemed like things were getting in the way and started to wonder how it will be? Might it be divine delays? I know recently I felt the need to get a “toy car”, I gave it that name as it would be for short trips and not be expensive with a few requests like manual transmission, convertible, and had said $2500. In the midst of things, we checked out some cars, but they were much more expensive and so decided to wait. Then my son’s car had some mechanical issues, and they took from the savings to get the “toy car” by about half. I won’t lose hope because I know that God’s plan for me are for good and not for evil, to give me a hope and a future, and that His timing is perfect. I won’t lose hope because of what I can see but will live by faith even though I can’t see it yet.
There are so many examples in the Bible of God’s perfect timing playing out and how divine delays played a part of them. An example of this happened to Jesus when his friend Lazarus was sick and died.
One notable example of Divine Delays is the story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John.
In John 11, we find the account of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falling seriously ill. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick” (John 11:3, NIV). Despite the urgency of the situation, Jesus purposefully delayed His arrival.
By the time Jesus reached Bethany, where Lazarus lived, he had already been dead for four days. Martha expressed her disappointment, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, NIV). However, Jesus had a divine purpose for the delay.
Jesus then performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25, NIV). This miraculous event not only displayed Jesus’ authority over death but also strengthened the faith of those who witnessed it.
The divine delay in this story served a greater purpose — to demonstrate God’s glory through a powerful miracle and to deepen the disciples’ and others’ understanding of Jesus’ divine nature. It was a delay that led to a profound revelation of God’s power and mercy.
This example highlights how divine delays, though puzzling at the time, can ultimately serve a higher purpose in God’s plan, bringing about greater blessings and glorifying His name.
Topic: Divine Delays
Verse of the Day: Exodus 13:17 NIV
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Let’s be the dads who are aware that things happen no matter how well we plan things out. Our plans will need to be adjusted because of circumstances beyond our control. No matter how big or how small, let us not lose hope but instead lean into God harder and ask for His wisdom and discernment to be able to continue, even if or when a natural disaster happens, internet equipment goes out, car troubles, unexpected illnesses, traffic jam, or an emergency shows up.
In Divine Delays, can you trust God?
Can you trust God when there is flooding on the roads, and you need to get somewhere and get redirected? Will you trust God when there are unforeseen repairs required causing you to find workaround to get work done and get where you need to be? Do you realize sometimes you have to go the longer way so that you don’t turn around and run? Did you ever consider you have to go another way from your plan because there would have been things that would have caused you to stop or give up? Persevere! Let’s grab a hold of how to handle any trouble, trials, or tribulations that you might run into.
Today’s devotional speaks to how they had to go through the desert instead of the shorter way because the shorter way would have caused them to encounter the Philistines, be attacked, and return to Egypt for safety. It wasn’t the easy way and we know from scripture how they grumbled and complained but at least they were alive. It kept them from having to deal with the fear of the people getting slaughtered by the Philistines and fleeing back to Egypt where they had just been released from slavery.
Let’s consider how we can be the dads who learn from today’s verse of the day and live out our lives up to God’s calling and in ways that our wives and kids need?
In applying this biblical perspective to your role as a father and the challenges you face, consider the following principles:
- Trust God’s Guidance: Just as God led the Israelites in the wilderness, trust that God is leading you in your journey as a father. Sometimes the path may seem longer or more challenging, but God’s wisdom surpasses our understanding. Trust that His guidance is for your benefit and the well-being of your family.
- Patience in God’s Timing: Divine delays and detours may happen, but have faith in God’s perfect timing. Understand that there might be reasons beyond your comprehension for the delays you experience. Be patient and wait on the Lord, knowing that He orchestrates all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
- Embrace Change: Just as the Israelites faced a change in their journey, be open to the changes that God may bring into your life. Even if the path seems different from what you expected, trust that God is working for your good. Embrace the changes with faith and a willingness to follow God’s lead.
- Avoid Returning to the “Egypt” of Past Habits: In Exodus 13:17, the concern was that the Israelites might change their minds and return to Egypt if they faced immediate challenges. Similarly, as a father, avoid the temptation to return to old habits or ways of thinking when faced with difficulties. Trust in God’s process and rely on His strength to overcome challenges.
- Hold onto Hope: Even in the midst of uncertainty, hold onto hope and trust in God’s promises. Romans 8:28 reassures us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Your role as a father is part of God’s purpose for your life, and He is working out His plan in His perfect timing.
By incorporating these biblical principles into your life as a father, you can navigate challenges with faith, patience, and trust in God’s guidance, knowing that He is in control and working everything together for your good and the good of your family.
Hope is the foundation of patience.
John Calvin
