A family member called me the other day. When I picked up she seemed a little caught off guard and started laughing.

“I was about to hang up. I didn’t think you were going to answer,” she said. “You don’t usually answer your phone and I figured you wouldn’t answer this time either.”

I laughed and agreed that I could be very bad with picking up the phone. Aside from being quite busy with ministry assignments and other obligations, my cell phone is typically on silent, dead, or far away from me. So I don’t notice when a call or text comes through immediately.

There's often a delay between the time someone contacts me and the time I actually respond. How long that delay lasts varies depending upon the situation. Family members and close friends know this about me.

But on this one afternoon, I happened to have the phone right next to me when my cousin rang me.

“See, you were about to hang up prematurely and miss your blessing,” I teased her. “Your expectation was too low.”

Though I was only joking with my cousin, after our conversation, I thought about how, when we are used to waiting, it can be easy to stop expecting any response at all. Some of us approach prayer this way. We stop expecting God to answer us when we call. We let prior disappointments, past let-downs and unanswered prayers, taint our thinking. We quit expecting better days and more positive outcomes.

Don't do that. Know this: unlike man, God is never too busy and if He lets us wait, there is a reason. 

I was reading Psalm 4 today, which is a plea of David. In verse 1 he says, “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”

He said in verse 6, “Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light of your face shine on us.”

Clearly, David and others who served Yahweh, the one true and living God, the God of Israel, were going through some difficulties, and challenges. They needed God’s light to shine through the darkness so they could reap the blessings, prosperity and harvest they were waiting on. They didn't know when it was going to happen and wanted an answer, as well as some relief.

At some point along our journey of faith, we will all have moments when it gets dark. We will face struggles, hardship and deal with unfortunate occurrences. Sometimes, in our weariness, we will cry out, how long must I wait, God? When will You show up for me? When will the harvest I’m believing You for manifest?

Before you get discouraged and assume God doesn’t hear you, remember, if the blessing is delayed, God allowed that delay. And when He’s ready, He will release all He has for you. There is no one and nothing that has authority to override the sovereign will of God. He does what He wants to do when He gets ready to do it.

So you can take comfort in the fact that, if manifestation is stalled, God is yet in control. He let that minor setback happen. He let the disappointment come. He let the enemy attack you. But in the end, His purpose—not the enemy—will prevail.

If you're asking, why is my blessing delayed? God is teaching you patience. He is preparing you for greater. He is maturing you through this season of waiting. He will reveal His glory and remind everyone that nothing can stop Him from doing what He wants to do.

All authority belongs to our God!

Do you remember when the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate told Jesus he had authority to crucify him in John 19? I love how Jesus answered him in verse 11. The Savior said, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”

Can’t you just feel the power dripping from those words?

That word authority used by Jesus in the Greek language is “exousia,” meaning the power of judicial decision or the power to decide against one.

In other words, Jesus told that high-ranking government official that he didn’t have the power to decide against Jesus or determine the fate of the son of God, except that which was granted by the Father. Christ willingly submitted Himself to death on the cross. He voluntarily hung, bled, died and rose to save us. Jesus knew that it was the will of God and not the power of man that determined the outcome.

The same is true in our lives.

The enemy can’t just come in and have his way. He can’t hold up your blessings unless God allows the delay. He has to get a permission slip from Heaven before he gains access to you. If the weapon has been formed against you, God allowed it. If the attack came, God allowed it. If there has been a momentary upset, God allowed it. If there has been a delay, God allowed it to make you strong and to get glory out of your situation.

Hang in there and know that, ultimately, what the devil tries will fail, because what God allows never outweighs or overrides what He ordains. In other words, that trouble or setback you’re facing today, will not get in the way of the breakthrough you’ve been preordained to walk into tomorrow.

You will get everything God has for you. So don't be discouraged because your blessing seems delayed. As you wait on the Lord, He’s strengthening you through the process. You are going to rise above this in due time.

To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring Isaiah 40:31 KJV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, it is a reminder that through this delay, there is a renewal of strength that’s happening. This opposing force of the enemy that he hoped would destroy you will only work for you.

God’s purpose will be accomplished in your life. 

I know the enemy may be busy attacking, opposing, challenging, fighting and trying to hinder your destiny, but he cannot stop what God has ordained.

Despite the delay, your blessing will not be denied. Your breakthrough will not be denied. Your healing will not be denied. Your restoration will not be denied. Your transformation will not be denied. Your increase will not be denied. Your deliverance out of this situation will not be denied. 

You will walk through every door God has predestined for you. You will receive what He has in store. He will supply every need and favor you at every turn according to His perfect plan.

Now let's pray.

God, I have been feeling discouraged by the extended waiting period. I thought I would have had my breakthrough by now. But thank You for reminding me that You allowed the delay and that even though I don’t understand why I must wait, Your timing is perfect. So, right now, I submit every care to you. I release anxiousness and worry and place my trust in Your sovereignty. Thank You that, at the appointed season, at just the right time, You will release what You have destined for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.