HOPE DELAYED IS NOT HOPE DENIED!

                                                                  

HOPE: DELAYED; NOT DENIED

“…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two …[more]…days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

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 Delay can turn seconds into minutes; minutes into hours; hours into days; days into weeks; weeks into months; and months into years. Delay is the BIGGEST killer of HOPE. “…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two…[more]… days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

Jesus delayed his time of arrival to Martha and Mary’s situation and decided to tarry where he was instead of coming immediately to their rescue. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

Lazarus’ sickness was obviously an emergency. Martha and Mary may have been desperate for Jesus’ presence, but he chose to delay his coming. “…he (Lazarus) was SICK, [but Jesus]… abode two…[more]… days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

The problem with delay happens when someone is waiting for your arrival. Delay can cause disappointment, on the part, of the people or person waiting for the one who is delayed, especially if it seems to be a matter of life or death. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

Jesus was delayed on purpose. He said, “…I am glad  for your sakes (his disciples, Mary, and Martha) that I was not there (when Lazarus was sick and died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE (DEPEND UPON THE WORD)….” (John 11:15 KJV).

Delay requires waiting. Martha and Mary, most likely, waited for Jesus to show up during Lazarus’ sickness, his physical death, the funeral arrangements, the service, the burial, and the repast. “… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV). “…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).

The HEART CRIES OUT DURING GOD”S periods of DELAY. “…How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalms 13:1 NASB. “…Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God… (Psalms 40:17 NASB). “…I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God…” (Psalms 69:3 KJV).

A delay forces you to go through and endure unexpected events and experiences. “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

 Hope is challenged to hold on through days, weeks, months, and years BEFORE you SEE the actual manifestation of God’s glory (or presence) in your situation or circumstances.  “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).  

It took 13 years before Joseph SAW God’s promise to make him ruler actually manifest. “…Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … Now Joseph had a dream …There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” …….  Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

Joseph hoped and endured 13 years of being a slave and a prisoner. “…[But]… in the PROCESS of time … [what God promised]… CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

No matter what you go through it can NOT STOP the PROMISES of God on your life. “...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him  (in the WORD) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB).  “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe (if you depend upon me, the WORD of GOD), you will see the glory of God (you will see the presence of god on  your situations and circumstances)?" (John 11:40 KJV).

Martha and Mary EXPERIENCED and endured Lazarus’ sickness and his death. “… [Lazarus] … whom thou lovest is sick…” (John 11:3 KJV). “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV).

Likewise, Job experienced and endured the loss of family, wealth, and health. “One day when Job’s ….donkeys were grazing nearby …the Sabeans attacked and made off with them.…another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and …another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and …yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). . “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Joseph experienced and endured mistreatment from his brothers, being thrown into an empty, dark pit, and being sold as a slave. “…And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit ... And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt…” (Genesis 37).

The Hebrew Boys experienced and endured controversy for standing up for their faith by being thrown into a fiery furnace. “…Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. … Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

Jesus experienced and endured mistreatment, physical abuse, and was crucified. “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

However, after an established DELAY, they ALL SAW the manifestation of the Glory of God (the revelation of his presence). “…After …[they] … suffered … [or were delayed for]… a little while, [God promised to]… restore, support, and strengthen [them], and …  place [them] on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

“…After …. [they] … have suffered ... [or have been delayed for]… a little while…”  (1 Peter 5:10 NLT). There will be “a little while” or a delay AND there will be an “after.”

Delays, no matter how severe or LONG, are temporary and the bible says, “…the suffering …[or delays]… of this present time ARE NOT worthy to be compared with the glory (revelation of his presence) which shall be revealed in us…” (Romans 8:18 KJV). “…For our light affliction …[or delays], …which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY or revelation of his PRESENCE: “….Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

PROOF  OF GOD’S GLORY or the revelation of his PRESENCE: “…The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY or the revelation of his PRESENCE: “Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“ You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”…So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”  … Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt…” (Genesis 41 NIV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY or revelation of his PRESENCE: “…Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon” (Daniel 3 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY or the revelation of his PRESENCE: Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).

However, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew Boys, and Martha and Mary ALL had to actually live through and experience extremely challenging DELAYS. “…After [THEY had]… suffered … [or been delayed for]… a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

What should you know about DELAYS? Delays have a purpose. Delays are about God’s love for you and NOT some kind of punishment. Delays are NOT about God’s denial, condemnation, or deprivation of you or your HOPES. Delays can be God-approved. Delays are meant to be a holy and intimately dependent experience with God. Delays are NOT about your will, but God’s will. . “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

God allows delays for an ULIMATE GOOD. “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples, Mary, and Martha) that I was not there (when Lazarus was sick or when he died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE (or depend upon the word)….” (John 11:15 KJV).

“….To the intent (for the purpose), you may BELIEVE (or you may depend upon the word)….” (John 11:15 KJV). God was speaking to his disciples; those who already had a level of faith or dependency upon the Word (Jesus).

Yet, raising Lazarus from the dead was intended to propel them into a HIGHER level of faith (dependency) by witnessing, first-hand, a GREATER MIRACLE. “..This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory (God's presence); and his disciples believed on him (his disciples depended upon him)…” (John 2:11 KJV).

Jesus CAME to earth to empower belief (or dependency upon God). It is the manifestation of God's PRESENCE (GLORY) that encourages BELIEF!“…[Jesus]…came for a witness…that ALL men through HIM might BELIEVE (might depend upon god)…” (John 1:7 KJV). “…Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto these, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt SEE greater things than these…” (John 1:50 KJV).

One ACT of God, that reveal his power and presence, can encourage his people and others to BELIEVE or depend upon Him. “….and many more BELIEVED “because” of his own words…we BELIEVE, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and KNOW that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world…” (John 4:41-42). “…I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

Martha and Mary believed that their brother would rise again in the resurrection on the last day, but Jesus, the WORD intended to encourage them to exercise a GREATER hope or expectancy in God. “….To the intent, you may BELIEVE (may depend)….” (John 11:15 KJV). “…These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God...” (1 John 5:13 KJV).

The disciples, Mary, and Martha, no doubt, already BELIEVED Jesus could do ANY miracle. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, … he hath anointed me (Jesus) to PREACH the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to PREACH deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To PREACH the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

However, God had yet another MIRACLE in mind, for Martha and Mary, to further STRENGTHEN their faith and empower their expectancy in God. “….To the intent, you may BELIEVE (depend upon him)….” (John 11:15 KJV).

It was important that Lazarus died a physical death.”…I am glad for your sakes that I was not there…” (John 11:14 KJV).

Martha and Mary’s spiritual growth and development in FAITH depended on it. “…that you “may” believe…” (John 11:14 KJV).

The FAITH of God’s people is PRECIOUS to him! “….the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV). “[God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV).

FAITH in or dependency upon God's WORD (Jesus) is the building block for MORE faith, GREATER faith, and STRONGER faith. “…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF the FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets… [Through]… FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

Jesus DELAYED his coming for the INTENT purpose of raising Lazarus from the DEAD. Raising Lazarus, from the dead, was also to BUILD a STRONGER faith for Martha, Mary and his disciples “IN” the  Word of God (Jesus). “…that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God...” (1 John 5:13 KJV). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

While DELAY makes people focus on what is happening on the OUTSIDE, God is focusing on the HEART.  “…The LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God took Israel through the wilderness (trials or tribulations) for forty years (a long delay). One reason he did it was to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Many believers claim to be God’s people, yet struggle, in their heart, with faith or with actually depending upon HIM. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (as Israel)…” (Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV). “…I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

“…WALK BY FAITH. (by depending upon God)..” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…live by faith (by depending upon God), not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God is looking at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… From within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  God KNOWS the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

It’s a DELAY not HOPELESSNESS. “…The plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). It’s a DELAY with the intent to help God’s develop FAITH or DEPENDENCY upon God's WORD. “…[That]…ye MAY BELIEVE…” (John 11:14 KJV).

DELAYED HOPE was not meant to weaken you, but to help you grow STRONGER in your FAITH or dependency upon God. Jesus TOOK Martha and Mary BACK to the PLACE where they BURIED their hope. “…the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

“…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).  

DEAD HOPE can be brought out of the BURIAL CHAMBERs, of the heart, with a pray of faith or dependency upon God. Jesus demonstrated a prayer of faith and expectancy that God HEARS. “…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “…And the prayer of faith SHALL save the sick (even the sin sick soul), and the Lord SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15 KJV).

DEAD HOPE can be totally revived or returned to LIFE by the HEARING the WORD of GOD and EMPOWERING of the Holy Spirit. “…Faith cometh (is activated) by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).“…May the God of HOPE fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him (depend upon him), so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE (expectancy) by the [indwelling] HOLY SPIRIT…” (Roman 15:13). The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS faith, which STRENGTHENS expectancy for future blessings based on the CERTAINTY of God's promises!

Jesus, the WORD REVEALED: “…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). He confirmed his Word:  “…Lazarus COME FORTH…he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:43-43 KJV).

When God reveals himself, through the WORD (Jesus); he also confirms it, and proves he is the Lord, your God. Your “HOPELESSNESS” can be brought BACK to absolute spiritual health. “…He that was DEAD came forth, bound, head and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” (John 11:44 KJV).

The grave clothes represent EVERYTHING that your HOPE was  bound or wrapped in such as: doubt, disappointment, what you saw, what you heard, what you lived through, what didn’t happen, what did happen, the enemies lies, the weapons the enemy formed against you, and weariness.

It is easy to see how HOPE DIES, especially with long-term DELAYS. God;s plans were to GIVE YOU overflowing "HOPE" and a favorably future and outcome; not disappointment or hopelessness. God intends for you to make it to the FINISH LINE by redeeming your HOPE and securing your future expectations of  his promises. “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

 “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV). “…I am glad for your sakes (you, his disciples., Mary, Martha, etc.) that I was not there (when Lazarus was sick or when he died), to the intent (for the purpose, you may BELIEVE (may depend upon God; stronger, greater)….” (John 11:15 KJV).

Therefore, “Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up”…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

“…If God is for [you], who …[or what can be] …against [you]? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

WE DON'T LIKE DELAYS, BUT THEY ARE MEANT TO ENCOURAGE FAITH; NOT HOPELESSNESS. DELAYS ARE NOT TO HARM YOU, BUT HAS THE INTENTION TO GIVE YOU A GREAT DEPENDENCY AND EXPECTANT HOPE IN GOD'S PROMISES ALONG WITH AN ABSOLUTE FAVORABLE OUTCOME!!

WHATEVER IS LOST, IS ALTERED, IS SHAKEN, IS REMOVED, IS EXPERIENCED OR IS GOOD OR BAD, HARD, DIFFICULT, MIND-BOGGLING, OR THAT DISAGREE WITH OR DISAPPROVED....IS "ALL" WORKING TOGETHER FOR AN ULTIMATE AND FAVORABLY OUTCOME.

I KNOW IT IS EASIER SAID THAT DONE, BECAUSE "YOU" ARE THE ONE LIVING THROUGH IT, BUT KEEP TRUSTING HIM, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT STOPS MAKING ANY HUMAN SENSE OR LOGIC.

KEEP WAITING ON HIM; EVEN THROUGH THE MANY, LONG DELAYS; YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

IT IS A DELAY; NOT A DENAL. WAIT ON THE LORD. WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD!!