CAUSES OF DELAY AND HOW TO STAY FREE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Daniel 10:12-13; Habakkuk 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: Exodus 5:22–23; Isaiah 59:1–2; Galatians 5:7; James 1:3–4
Description: Delay can arise from satanic resistance, human error, or divine timing, but God has given us keys to stay free and walk in His perfect plan.
INTRODUCTION
Delay is one of the enemy’s most powerful weapons against the people of God. It creates frustration, weakens faith, and tempts believers to give up on the promises of God. Sometimes, delay makes people think God has forgotten them, yet Scripture makes it clear that God never abandons His children.
While some delays are satanically engineered to hinder progress, others result from disobedience, lack of preparation, or wrong choices. At times, God Himself allows delay to build character and ensure His people are ready for the blessing He has prepared. Recognizing the cause of delay is the first step to overcoming it.
This teaching reveals the major causes of delay and how to stay free. With this understanding, you will no longer be trapped by cycles of stagnation, but you will press into your destiny with knowledge, prayer, and faith.
1. SATANIC INTERFERENCE
The devil and his agents often resist breakthroughs and seek to hold back divine promises.
a) Spiritual opposition (Daniel 10:12–13): The prince of Persia resisted Daniel’s answer until angelic help arrived.
b) Witchcraft and demonic hindrances (Galatians 5:7): Evil forces manipulate time and progress to hinder destiny.
c) Curses and covenants (Numbers 23:23): Evil altars can delay blessings until they are broken.
d) Human adversaries (Nehemiah 4:7–8): Envious people can physically or spiritually hinder progress.
Biblical Example: Daniel’s answer to prayer was delayed 21 days because of satanic interference, until angelic help came (Daniel 10:12–13).
2. DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD
Disobedience, whether partial or complete, invites delay into a believer’s life.
a) Partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23): Saul lost his kingdom for failing to fully obey God.
b) Unrepented sin (Isaiah 59:1–2): Sin separates us from God and blocks answers to prayer.
c) Rebellion (Numbers 14:34): Israel wandered 40 years in the wilderness because of rebellion.
d) Stubbornness of heart (Proverbs 29:1): Ignoring God’s instruction prolongs breakthroughs.
Biblical Example: Jonah delayed God’s purpose by running away to Tarshish, but repentance restored him (Jonah 1:3; 2:1–10).
3. LACK OF PREPARATION
Sometimes God withholds blessings until His people are properly prepared to handle them.
a) Unready vessels (2 Timothy 2:21): God uses only vessels that are sanctified and ready.
b) Lack of skill or knowledge (Hosea 4:6): Ignorance keeps people from accessing opportunities.
c) Laziness and procrastination (Proverbs 24:33–34): Folding of hands brings poverty and stagnation.
d) Lack of planning (Luke 14:28): Without planning, success is delayed or lost.
Biblical Example: The five foolish virgins delayed themselves by failing to prepare extra oil, and they missed the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1–13).
4. DIVINE TIMING
Not all delays are negative; sometimes God delays to produce a greater testimony.
a) God’s appointed time (Ecclesiastes 3:11): He makes all things beautiful in His time.
b) Testing of faith (James 1:3–4): Delay produces patience and spiritual maturity.
c) Character building (Romans 5:3–4): Delay humbles us and builds strength of character.
d) Greater glory (John 11:4): Some delays are for God’s glory, as in the case of Lazarus.
Biblical Example: Hannah’s delay in childbirth was for God’s greater purpose—her son Samuel became a prophet to the nations (1 Samuel 1:20).
CONCLUSION
Delay is not denial. Though it can be caused by satanic resistance, disobedience, lack of preparation, or divine timing, God has promised deliverance and fulfillment of His word. Understanding these causes helps us to pray effectively, live obediently, and trust God’s perfect plan.
Beloved, do not faint when delay comes. Instead, rise up in prayer, obedience, diligence, and patience. The God who breaks delay will move speedily on your behalf, and every long-awaited promise shall manifest in your life.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for exposing the causes of delay in my life.
2. Every satanic opposition against my prayers, scatter in Jesus’ name.
3. By the blood of Jesus, I break every generational curse causing delay.
4. O Lord, deliver me from the spirit of disobedience and rebellion.
5. Father, give me grace to prepare and position myself for Your blessings.
6. Every strongman delaying my destiny, be bound in the name of Jesus.
7. Lord, align me with Your divine timing and purpose.
8. I refuse to be a victim of laziness, procrastination, and ignorance.
9. Father, restore every opportunity I have lost due to delay.
10. Lord, let every promise concerning my life manifest speedily.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall no longer experience delay in your destiny.
2. Every satanic hand holding back your blessing is broken now.
3. You shall move from stagnation into acceleration.
4. The voice of opposition against your prayers is silenced forever.
5. You shall walk in obedience and enjoy divine speed.
6. Every curse of delay over your family is destroyed in Jesus’ name.
7. You shall not miss your divine appointment.
8. The hand of the Lord shall reposition you for restoration.
9. What took others years, you shall accomplish in months.
10. From today, you shall enjoy unstoppable progress.
