Not Stuck, But Being Sanctified: The Holy Delay

Hello Friends 👋🏾,

It’s been a little while since I've posted an essay. Over these past few weeks, I’ve been walking through a health journey  more details to come but I can say this with full assurance: God is so tender, sweet, and faithful. 🌿

In the quiet places of trial, He has been planting and cultivating seeds I didn’t even realize were being sown. And now, by His grace, I’m beginning to see the first fruits press forth, His countenance in the waiting, His hand in the healing, and His strength in the stretching.

Today, I offer you a small glimpse, a simple reflection gathered from my time sitting with Him. May it bless you as He has so deeply blessed me. ✨

Sometimes, we aren’t waiting on God, but rather, He is waiting on us to…

—Lay down those things that keep us from Him.

—Turn away from the temptation that entangles us and the sin that entraps us.

—Release the worry and anxious toil in our minds in exchange for trust and believing Him.

—Walk in full obedience to Him, not taking things into our own hands.

—Pray, Ask, and Trust Him with the next steps, especially if the answer is Wait or No.

Remembering, His, “No” always means a better “Yes.”

Sometimes, we aren't hearing the Lord or seeing things change because we didn't respond to His word of correction.  But we can right now, and we should.

Obedience is not optional—it’s essential!

He has so much for us, however, God doesn't reward rebellion.  If we don't heed His correction we are in the crosshairs of His discipline.  If we won't listen to His voice; He can't trust us with the blessing.

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:6

Sometimes, we are so fixated on us, what we want to happen or change and in our anticipation for outcome can forget the story is about Him. He holds the pen✍️🏾.

We miss the beauty of Him when we are stuck on ourselves.  Sometimes, we stay in a season longer because our eyes are on us rather than embracing Christ.  Jesus said His church would be built on revelation knowledge of Him, not the discovery of us. I say this because our identity is rooted in Him. His life now becomes our own. The more we know Him, the more we know who we were created to be!

“…because as he is so also are we in this world.”

1 John 4:17

When we behold Him—we are transformed into His likeness and this changes our perspective.  When we see Him accurately our seasons make sense and we respond accordingly.

“Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” Proverbs 1:23

Finally, I want to highlight that waiting on God doesn't necessarily equate to Him being delayed.  In truth—God is never delayed.  His ways are perfect and timing exact.

If something it isn't happening it's because He is working—working in us, through us, and for us.  For example, in the case of Lazarus, Jesus appeared to delay but the purpose was greater—and the resurrection was on time!

Waiting on God is a posture of trust in His Providence, which encompasses His protection, provision, and peace.  Jesus is steadfast and patient, and God desires His children to be likewise.

The posture of waiting is holy.  It is a sacred space of expectation for Jesus to be unveiled. We should consider this such a place of great honor, wonder, and grace.  We get a front-row seat to see God’s strong Right Arm in action.

Waiting is the space where the Spirit speaks tenderly to us fine-tuning our hearts and minds to the things of God.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 27:14

Indeed, we then see Jesus is our Portion, and the Prize!