DELAY IS NOT DENIAL

DELAY IS NOT DENIAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 11:1-44
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:8-9, Habakkuk 2:3, Ecclesiastes 3:11

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Lazarus in John 11 is one of the most powerful demonstrations of Jesus' love and divine timing. When Lazarus fell sick, his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus, expecting Him to come immediately. However, Jesus delayed His visit, and by the time He arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Despite the delay, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, proving that delay is not denial. God's timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours. This message encourages us to trust God, even when it seems like He is delaying His response to our prayers.

1. GOD'S DELAYS ARE NOT A SIGN OF ABANDONMENT

a) Jesus Knew About Lazarus' Situation:
When Lazarus became sick, Jesus was fully aware of the situation, but He chose to delay. This teaches us that God knows our challenges, and His delay is not ignorance or neglect.

b) God’s Delays Have a Purpose:
Jesus said in John 11:4, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory." God allows delays to reveal His glory and deepen our faith.

c) Divine Timing Differs from Human Timing:
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.

2. TRUSTING GOD IN SEASONS OF DELAY

a) Delay Does Not Equal Denial:
Just as Jesus delayed going to Lazarus, God may delay answering our prayers. However, this does not mean He is saying "no." He may be preparing something greater.

b) Faith Must Persist Through Delays:
Mary and Martha struggled to understand Jesus' delay, but they still believed in Him. In times of waiting, our faith must remain strong, knowing that God will show up at the right time.

c) God's Power is Never Late:
Even though Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, Jesus still had the power to raise him from the dead. No situation is too far gone for God to intervene.

3. GOD CAN TURN DEAD SITUATIONS AROUND

a) Lazarus' Resurrection as a Symbol of God's Power:
Lazarus was dead for four days, which in Jewish belief meant his spirit had completely left. Yet, Jesus demonstrated that He has power over life and death. God can bring dead dreams, relationships, and situations back to life.

b) Jesus Calls Out to Dead Situations:
In John 11:43, Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the grave. Similarly, God is calling life into the areas of your life that seem dead or hopeless.

c) Delay Often Precedes a Greater Miracle:
Had Jesus healed Lazarus before his death, it would have been a regular healing. But by delaying, Jesus performed a greater miracle, showing that God's delay often leads to a greater testimony.

4. HOW TO RESPOND IN SEASONS OF DELAY

a) Stay Patient and Trust in God’s Plan:
Habakkuk 2:3 tells us, "Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come." Patience is key when we are waiting on God. Trust that He is working behind the scenes.

b) Strengthen Your Faith in God's Promises:
God has not forgotten His promises. Lazarus' story reminds us that God will come through for us in His perfect time.

c) Keep Praying and Believing:
Even when it seems like God is silent, keep praying. Martha and Mary still believed in Jesus, even though their brother had died. Hold on to faith and never give up.

CONCLUSION:
Delay is not denial. The story of Lazarus shows us that God’s timing is not our timing, but His timing is always perfect. Even when it seems like all hope is lost, God has the power to turn things around. Whatever you are waiting for in this season, trust that God is working behind the scenes, and at the appointed time, He will bring life to your situation.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me the grace to trust You during seasons of delay.

2. Every dead situation in my life, receive resurrection in Jesus' name.

3. O God, help me to remain patient and faithful as I wait for Your perfect timing.

4. Father, reveal Your glory through every delay I am experiencing.

5. Lord, I believe You can turn every hopeless situation around in my life.

6. Let every spirit of discouragement be destroyed in Jesus’ name.

7. Father, I declare that delay will not stop my destiny.

8. O Lord, strengthen my faith as I wait for the manifestation of Your promises.

9. Lord, breathe life into every area of my life that has been stagnant.

10. O God, turn my delay into a testimony that will glorify Your name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that every delay in your life will turn into divine acceleration.

2. The Lord will come through for you at the perfect time, and your testimony will be great.

3. Every dead situation in your life is receiving the breath of God right now.

4. I decree that no delay will deny you of your breakthrough in Jesus' name.

5. Every area of stagnation in your life will give way to divine speed and progress.

6. What seems impossible for man is possible with God, and He will make a way for you.

7. I declare that your Lazarus will come forth, and your miracle will manifest.

8. The power of resurrection is working in your life, bringing dead dreams back to life.

9. Your waiting season will end in a great testimony that will glorify God.

10. In the name of Jesus, what the enemy thought was dead in your life shall live again!