WHEN THE PROMISE TAKES LONGER THAN EXPECTED

WHEN THE PROMISE TAKES LONGER THAN EXPECTED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Habakkuk 2:2-3

Key Verse: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 10:35-36, Genesis 21:1-2, Isaiah 55:8-9, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalm 27:14

INTRODUCTION:
Waiting on God’s promises is one of the greatest tests of faith. When we receive a word from God, excitement fills our hearts and expectation stirs within us. But as days turn into months and months into years, our faith can be tested, and doubt can try to creep in.

Many people in Scripture had to wait for the manifestation of God’s promises — Abraham waited twenty-five years for Isaac, Joseph waited thirteen years for his dreams to be fulfilled, and David waited years before becoming king. God’s timing is not always our timing, but His timing is always perfect.

In this message, we will explore why God sometimes delays His promises, what He accomplishes in us during the waiting season, and how to remain steadfast until the promise becomes reality.

1. WHY GOD SOMETIMES DELAYS THE PROMISE

a) To prepare you for the promise (Genesis 41:38-41)
The delay is a season of preparation for the responsibility that comes with the promise.

b) To align all necessary circumstances (Romans 8:28)
God is working behind the scenes to bring the right people, places, and timing into alignment.

c) To strengthen your faith (Romans 4:20-21)
Faith grows stronger when it is exercised over time.

d) To ensure He gets the glory (John 11:4)
The delay often positions the fulfilment to be a testimony to His power and not our ability.

Biblical Example: Abraham and Sarah — their long wait for Isaac made the miracle undeniable.

2. WHAT GOD ACCOMPLISHES DURING THE WAITING SEASON

a) He refines your character (James 1:2-4)
Waiting removes impatience and shapes humility, endurance, and obedience.

b) He deepens your intimacy with Him (Psalm 27:4)
Seasons of delay drive you into deeper fellowship with God.

c) He teaches you reliance on His Word (Matthew 4:4)
You learn to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

d) He exposes and removes wrong motives (Proverbs 16:2)
The waiting period purifies your intentions so that you desire the promise for the right reasons.

Biblical Example: Joseph — his years in prison shaped his wisdom, humility, and leadership skills.

3. HOW TO REMAIN STEADFAST WHEN THE PROMISE TAKES LONGER

a) Keep speaking the Word (Romans 10:17)
Faith is sustained by continually hearing, reading, and declaring God’s promises.

b) Guard your heart from bitterness and unbelief (Hebrews 3:12)
Negative attitudes will delay you further and rob you of joy.

c) Surround yourself with faith-builders (Proverbs 27:17)
Walk with people who will encourage you, not discourage you.

d) Keep serving faithfully where you are (Luke 16:10)
Faithfulness in the little prepares you for greater responsibility.

Biblical Example: David — he kept serving as a shepherd and warrior until the throne became his.

4. SIGNS THAT YOUR PROMISE IS NEAR FULFILMENT

a) Increased spiritual warfare (1 Corinthians 16:9)
The enemy often fights hardest just before your breakthrough.

b) Acceleration of divine connections (Genesis 41:14)
God suddenly brings you before the right people.

c) Unusual confirmation of the promise (2 Corinthians 13:1)
You receive repeated confirmations through Scripture, prophecy, and circumstances.

d) Doors begin to open unexpectedly (Revelation 3:8)
God starts making a way where there was none.

Biblical Example: The Israelites at Jericho — after years of wandering, the walls fell in one day.

CONCLUSION:
The length of the wait does not diminish the certainty of the promise. God’s delays are not denials; they are divine preparations. Every moment of waiting is building you for the day of fulfilment.

Hold on in faith. Keep your eyes fixed on the One who promised, because He is faithful to bring it to pass. Your waiting will end with rejoicing, and your testimony will glorify the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me grace to wait patiently for Your promises.
2. Father, prepare me fully for the responsibility of my promise.
3. Lord, align every circumstance necessary for my breakthrough.
4. Father, strengthen my faith in the waiting season.
5. Lord, let my life give glory to You when the promise is fulfilled.
6. Father, purify my motives and intentions.
7. Lord, keep me from bitterness, doubt, and unbelief.
8. Father, surround me with people who will strengthen my faith.
9. Lord, accelerate the fulfilment of every divine promise over my life.
10. Father, let my testimony bring others to trust in You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not miss your season of fulfilment!
2. Every divine promise over your life will come to pass!
3. Your waiting will end in celebration!
4. God will align every circumstance for your breakthrough!
5. The Lord will strengthen you until the appointed time!
6. You will not grow weary; you will grow stronger!
7. Every enemy of your promise will be silenced!
8. Divine connections will locate you speedily!
9. You will testify of God’s faithfulness in your lifetime!
10. The promise will come, and it will not delay!