Why Are There Delays?

JAMES 1:2-4 NIV 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately? If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith. Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6) If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required. During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we really love God, and trust Him, or not.

A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward. God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can overcome. He believes we will make it with His help. We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until we see victory. To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot always shield us from problems without taking away from us the privilege of overcoming. Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy. If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough. SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will end up not lacking anything.

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