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by Cheryl R. Carter
I do not like waiting. For me it is not an issue of impatience, but rather one of wasted opportunity. I guess that is why I read papers in the doctor’s office, make needed telephone calls during traffic delays, and read books in the grocery checkout line. I guess if you asked me I would say I want to redeem the time. Essentially, I do not mind waiting if I know why I am waiting.
In the global scope of things, generally when the LORD has me waiting I know other things are going on even if at that particular time I do not know exactly what those things might be. Have you ever had trouble recognizing what is a godly delay and what is a satanic roadblock? A divine delay is God seeing the bigger issues and arresting my plan for my good. This has occurred quite frequently in my life. I recognize the delay clearly in hindsight. Thus it is the passage of time which reveals to me the difference but I need to know how to identify a satanic intervention from a God‘s protective hand halting me early so I can cooperate with God. It is essential for me. As the old saints used to say, when do I resist and when do I press in?
People ask me these types of questions like this all the time. I guess they assume a time management speaker has a special hotline to God on this issue. I have asked God and myself these same questions many times. I am learning to recognize patterns the patterns of God’s arresting hand. Recently, my husband and I embarked on an exciting home construction project. This project was initiated in prayer by many close friends who aided us prayerfully and practically along the way.
We knew God was telling us to go forth, but it seemed strange delays were happening all the time. It was so ridiculous at first that I hardly attributed it to anything other than human error and laziness. After all, we reasoned all the little things that delayed the process were in some way related to someone just not doing their job. It was no big thing, or so we thought, even though at various points in the process good friends would likewise get annoyed. Some even pointed out to us the delays seemed rather strange and arbitrary. Yet, it seemed to me that people were incompetent.
A clear pattern emerged. We were tempted to doubt God’s provision even though we had been so clear about His direction initially as delays and time lapses occurred. During our low moments, God would send friends far and near to encourage us. Clearly, it was God because these words of encouragement were extolled by various individuals who did not know one another. We really appreciated godly friends who prayed with us for us and gripped the word securely even when we were a
bit shaky.
It quickly became apparent that when God speaks to us we must write it, speak it, and even taste it, such that it cements in our heart so that the devil cannot steal it. Looking back, we did not anticipate that the enemy would fight us so much on this project until a friend clarified the issue—your home is the foundation of your ministry and the devil wants to fight you for territory.
This opened our eyes we had to resist the enemy in this area and not just accept the delays as a normal part of the course. Whenever something is delayed, we simply must ask are we pursuing a rhema word or spinning our wheels? This question appears to be simple but it begs honesty because we can only wage war in the Spirit. It is more than just getting what we want or think we should have, but when God sets destiny in your heart and you just cannot let it go.
Abraham was called the father of faith but he too faced innumerable obstacles, delays and circumstances that spoke so loud it was hard to believe the promise would come to pass. In fact, Sarah laughed because it all seemed impossible. As we look at the delays in their life, we see that God was working His plan because truly everyone was forced to recognize Isaac as the promised seed Abraham had professed for years. Each step of the way as God spoke to Abraham he also gave him a vision or something tangible to look at and thus encourage him. When he had Abraham look at the stars in the sky, it was a reminder of God’s promise. Every night that Abraham went out, I imagine he looked at the sky and remembered God’s promises. I wonder if on some cloudy nights he strained to see the stars knowing they were there just behind the constellations.
We also need to ask God to give us an image of his promise fulfilled, especially in the midst of delays. Periodically, we both would unabashedly confess to one another that we were losing the vision for our new home. We did not become discouraged overnight. It happened ever so gradually and subtly. It was entrenched in an extremely full speaking schedule, ministry responsibilities and tight writing deadlines all that in addition to our regular family and personal commitments. In short, we were being worn down and out in so many areas that we did not even realize we were being discouraged. God used strangers and friends to encourage us to press on and to hold to the vision. I asked God to give us a fresh revelation of the purpose of our home and ministry. Aren’t you glad that Jesus said we only have to
ask Him?
He was so faithful to encourage us. I learned that when delays come first we should seek God’s heart and remind ourselves what initiated the process. The first place we heard God—his direct word must always be remembered. It is necessary when we feel God speak to our heart that we take the time to significantly mark the moment. It must be etched in our memories right away because the enemy wants to steal the word from us immediately. We therefore must wage a powerful battle and solidify what God has spoken to us. We need to have our own genesis with God, in other words a personal place where we can return and know thus said
the LORD.
This likewise applies to a marriage. Perhaps you need a fresh revelation of just why you married your spouse. On the other hand, perhaps the weight of confusion in your church beckons your heart to remind you why God called you to pastor or perhaps to a particular place of ministry. All of us need a fresh revelation from time to time so that we may continue to walk in faith and secure the promises
of God.
God understands us. Just as he called Abraham out of his tent-his place of familiarity and comfort --to look at the stars in the sky, likewise he calls us out. He gently prods us to gaze at the sky and to remember his promises. Can’t you feel the warmth and breadth of His hand on your shoulder? He lovingly directs you to look at the stars in the sky and to remember his promise. Although, your promise seems like it is delayed it is not. It is only a matter of time. Yes, be assured that your promise will come to pass. He has promised it. May each of us receive a fresh vision and renewal of the promise that God has long ago spoken over our lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cheryl R. Carter keeps looking to the stars as God continues to fulfill all the promises in her life. At times, like Sarah, she is tempted to laugh at their fulfillment but she remains assured that as long as Jesus is on the throne no weapon formed against her will prosper. Visit www.Momtime for more articles, her speaking itinerary and organizing tips.
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