HOW TO HANDLE DELAYS

Text: Daniel 10:10–19

At some point in life, we’ve all waited on God—praying, believing, and hoping for answers that seem slow in coming. Waiting can be one of life’s most difficult tests. Whether it’s in a doctor’s office or a season of delay, few things try our faith like the silence between prayer and fulfillment.

In the spiritual realm, things don’t always happen instantly. While God sometimes moves suddenly, other times He simply says, “Wait.” But here's the truth: waiting time is not wasted time—it is testing time. It’s an opportunity to trust, grow, and align ourselves with God’s will.

1. Understanding the Cause of Delays

a. Demonic Resistance Can Cause DelayDaniel’s prayer was delayed for 21 days—not because God didn’t hear, but because demonic opposition tried to block the answer (Daniel 10:13). The enemy’s strategy is to discourage you while you wait, but God’s answer is never truly denied—it may be delayed, but it will arrive.

b. Disputes and Dishonor in the Home Can Hinder Prayers1 Peter 3:7 warns that unresolved conflict within the home can hinder your prayers. Ephesians 4:26–27 urges us not to let anger linger, as it breeds bitterness, poisons the heart, and obstructs the flow of God’s blessings.

Broken relationships, especially between spouses or loved ones, must be mended. Harbored offense can be a spiritual blockage. Delays may not always be demonic—they can be relational.

2. Divine Delays Are Often Purposeful

The most difficult delays are divine ones—those that come without explanation. But God never delays without reason. His silence is not absence, and His delay is not denial. Let’s explore five reasons God might allow a divine delay:

i. To Demonstrate His Power

Delays create space for God to show up in ways only He can. Sometimes, we only encounter God fully when we reach the end of ourselves.

ii. Because His Ways Are Higher

Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts far exceed ours. What feels like a detour is often divine direction.

iii. To Develop Your Faith

Galatians 6:9 urges us not to grow weary. Delays test the durability of our faith and our willingness to believe, even when nothing seems to be happening.

iv. So He Can Bless the Wait

Isaiah 30:18 declares that God waits to be gracious. Sometimes, He’s waiting on us—to grow, to obey, to surrender—so He can release what He’s already prepared.

v. So He May Receive the Glory

John 11:4 reminds us that Lazarus’ sickness was not unto death, but so “the Son of God may be glorified.” Jesus waited deliberately so the miracle would testify of divine power, not human ability.

In Conclusion:

Delays are never easy, but they are never wasted either. Whether caused by spiritual warfare, personal relationships, or divine timing, they are opportunities to grow in endurance, obedience, and faith.

Don’t give up in the delay. Don’t abandon the prayer. Keep trusting, keep standing, keep believing.

God is never late. He’s just working behind the scenes, preparing you and perfecting what concerns you.