DEALING WITH THE FORCES OF DELAY

DEALING WITH THE FORCES OF DELAY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Daniel 10:12-13

“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days…”

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Zechariah 4:7, Luke 18:7-8, Isaiah 25:7

INTRODUCTION:
Delay is one of the strategies the enemy uses to frustrate, hinder, and discourage believers. It is not just about time passing—delay can be a spiritual battle designed to prevent us from stepping into God’s appointed season. Whether it be delay in marriage, ministry, breakthrough, healing, or answered prayer, many believers suffer unnecessarily because they are unaware of the forces behind their stagnation.

Not every delay is demonic, but many are fuelled by spiritual forces assigned to hinder destiny. The devil understands the power of divine timing, so he works to frustrate it through resistance, diversion, and hindrances. This is why spiritual warfare is necessary in breaking free from delay and stepping into fulfilment.

In this message, we shall analyse the nature of delay, identify its demonic causes, and discuss how to overcome every force resisting your progress.

1. DELAY IS OFTEN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE
Many delays are not natural but are caused by invisible forces opposing divine manifestation.

a) Daniel's prayer was delayed by demonic resistance (Daniel 10:13)
Though God answered immediately, the prince of Persia blocked the manifestation.

b) Satan hinders divine progress (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
Paul acknowledged that Satan can block movement and access.

c) Spiritual warfare is necessary to break delays (Ephesians 6:12)
Our struggle is not against flesh but against powers and rulers in the unseen world.

d) Delay often targets key breakthroughs (Exodus 5:1-2)
Pharaoh resisted letting Israel go, but God broke the opposition.

Biblical Example: The wall of Jericho was a spiritual and physical barrier to Israel’s advancement (Joshua 6:1).

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL DELAY
Recognising the traits of demonic delay helps you to engage the right solutions.

a) Repeated cycles without progress (Deuteronomy 2:3)
Moving in circles without tangible advancement is a red flag.

b) Near success syndrome (Isaiah 66:9)
Breakthroughs come close but never materialise.

c) Prolonged waiting beyond natural timing (Proverbs 13:12)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick.

d) Unusual resistance to divine assignments (Haggai 1:2-6)
Working hard but with little results can be caused by delay.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood suffered for 12 years until divine intervention (Mark 5:25-29).

3. FORCES BEHIND SPIRITUAL DELAY
Understanding the sources of delay helps in launching effective warfare.

a) Demonic princes and territorial powers (Daniel 10:13)
Satan assigns strongmen to resist regional and personal breakthroughs.

b) Curses and ancestral covenants (Lamentations 5:7)
Generational issues can prolong destiny fulfilment.

c) Ignorance of spiritual principles (Hosea 4:6)
When we are ignorant of how to pray and fight, delay continues.

d) Disobedience or spiritual carelessness (Jonah 1:3)
Delay may arise from our own failure to follow God’s instructions.

Biblical Example: Israel delayed 40 years in the wilderness because of rebellion (Numbers 14:33-34).

4. DIVINE STRATEGIES TO BREAK DELAY
Delay can be destroyed through targeted spiritual engagement.

a) Persistent prayer and fasting (Luke 18:7-8)
Jesus taught the importance of crying out persistently to God.

b) Prophetic decrees and declarations (Job 22:28)
Speaking God’s Word into your delay can bring manifestation.

c) Engage angelic help through prayer (Daniel 10:12-13)
Warfare invites divine assistance to fight unseen battles.

d) Obey divine instructions promptly (Genesis 22:3)
Abraham obeyed early, and his breakthrough followed.

Biblical Example: Esther’s three-day fast broke Haman’s plot and opened the king’s heart (Esther 4:16).

5. ENJOYING DIVINE SPEED AND FULFILMENT
Once delay is broken, God restores wasted years and grants acceleration.

a) God restores what the enemy has delayed (Joel 2:25-27)
Divine restoration covers every lost opportunity.

b) Acceleration comes by the Spirit (1 Kings 18:46)
Elijah outran Ahab by supernatural empowerment.

c) God removes the veil of limitation (Isaiah 25:7)
God destroys every invisible covering that hides destiny.

d) God makes up for lost time with divine compensation (Amos 9:13)
Delayed harvests begin to come speedily.

Biblical Example: Joseph moved from prison to palace in one day (Genesis 41:14-41).

CONCLUSION:
Delay is one of the greatest weapons the enemy uses to frustrate the children of God, but the good news is that every force of delay can be broken in the name of Jesus. When God arises, every hindrance, limitation, and satanic barrier must give way. Just as Daniel’s prayers were delayed by the prince of Persia but later delivered by angelic intervention, so also shall the Lord intervene in your life to bring swift answers and testimonies.

Therefore, we must trust God’s timing, stay steadfast in prayer, and exercise unwavering faith. The forces of delay will not hold you down forever because God has appointed a time for your lifting. Whatever has been withheld, slowed down, or blocked in your life shall be released with speed. Your season of waiting is turning into a season of divine acceleration and manifestation, in Jesus’ mighty name.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, every satanic force delaying my breakthrough, scatter by fire in the name of Jesus.
2. O Lord, release Your angels to dismantle every stronghold of delay over my life.
3. By the blood of Jesus, I break every covenant of delay operating in my foundation.
4. Father, let every delayed promise in my life manifest speedily in Jesus’ name.
5. O Lord, grant me divine acceleration to recover wasted years and opportunities.
6. Every spirit of procrastination and slowness assigned against my destiny, be destroyed.
7. Father, every evil hand holding back my blessings, wither now in Jesus’ name.
8. Lord, let my destiny helpers locate me without delay in Jesus’ mighty name.
9. Father, turn every delay in my life into a greater testimony of glory.
10. O Lord, let every chain of delay in my health, finances, marriage, and ministry be broken permanently.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. I declare, every delay in your life is turning into divine acceleration!
2. The powers that held down your blessings shall release them by fire!
3. You will no longer wait in vain; your testimonies shall manifest speedily!
4. Every satanic embargo on your progress is lifted now in Jesus’ name!
5. What has been delayed in your life shall come forth suddenly!
6. Your long-awaited miracle shall locate you without hindrance!
7. The Lord shall restore to you the wasted years the enemy has stolen!
8. You will run and overtake those who have gone ahead of you!
9. No power shall delay your destiny again; your season of manifestation has come!
10. Every delay in your life is converted into double honour and testimonies in Jesus’ name!