Delayed But Not Denied for 2011

It’s almost 2011!! Can you believe it?!? This is the time of year we begin to look at our list of goals and answered prayers and begin crossing out all that has been accomplished.  For some that can mean weight loss, selling your home, debts canceled or the birth of a child. For others it can mean disappointment and failure to accomplish everything you set out to do in 2010.

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. – Habukkuk 2:2

For the next few days I want to discuss with you those dreams that you had in 2010 and how they might just be delayed but not denied!

We will always have seasons of struggles and testing.  There are going to be times when everything we attempt to do will seem to go wrong. But somehow we need to realize there is a purpose for these temporary inconveniences.  Isn’t it amazing though that during these times these inconveniences destroy our pride in our own ability and reinforce our dependency on the sufficiency of God!

II Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”.

Some things we are just not meant to change…but to survive!

We need to be like a tree!  See when a tree’s roots are planted, the sap and substance are underground and although the seasons come and the leaves fall, the root never dies.  In spring it will flourish NEW fruit.

Aristotle said “Patience is a tree whose root is bitter but its fruit is sweet”.  Our temporary circumstances don’t always require action.  It may just require prayer which brings patience.  And with patience we gain trust.

Habukkuk 3:3 – For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Our struggle is waiting for the appointment we have with destiny!

God is a God of order.  He does everything by appointment. He has a set appointment to bring to pass His promise in our lives.

Definition of Appointment – a meeting already set up

Through the tough times (and some of you have had some tough ones!) and in the waiting process, we know God has a plan of escape or destiny.  That’s our comfort!

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Just know that nothing the enemy tries will change the plan of God for our lives!

Even if your circumstances contradict your purpose, your purpose will always prevail. It’s the opposition that shows us that God is working.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

An example of this is Eve.  The Lord promised her a seed. (Gen. 3:15)  What she thought to be the promise were real problems. Her son Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and in one swoop all of Eve’s dreams lay dead in the ground when Cain killed Abel.  Here she was suppose to be the mother of all living and yet all she has raised is a corpse and a murderer.

Aaahhh, but then there came Seth, which means substitute.  Eve began to realize God’s plan was still in motion. His plan never changed. Eve called her son Seth for she understood if God made a promise, He will find a way to keep it even if it means appointing a substitute.

Your blessing may not come the way you wanted or through the person you wanted. But know that if God said it then rest assured, it may be delayed, but it cannot be denied!

Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

You cannot allow the past to affect your future.

Psalm 40:1-3 – I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

The real test of faith is in facing the silence of being on hold. The question is not always, “Do you have enough faith to receive?” but “Do you have enough faith to assume a holding pattern and wait for the fulfillment of the promise?”

Genesis 8:1 – But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

Where it says Noah put your name there.  And God remembered Michelle!

The Lord knows where you are and how much you have in reserve. How much you can handle.  Just before you run out, God will send the wind to blow back the waters of impossibility and provide for you.

Hebrews 6:10 – God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

How incredible is that!  God doesn’t simply forget.

Matthew 10:30 – And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Not only counted…but numbered!  He knows what number of hairs are in your comb.  Then you should know He has your family, your finances and your faithfulness in His view.

You might be at a place like David when he asked this question:

Psalm 8:4 – what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Oh, but then there is…

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

As we close out another year, maybe all your dreams and plans didn’t come true or you’re still waiting on the report or looking for answers.  Trust in Him that you may just be in a holding pattern. That what you are looking for may just be delayed and not denied!