Several times we find ourselves in situations and circumstances where it seems that God is coming too late. Hope deterred makes the heart sick. In such circumstances we seem to cry out “God, where are you?” So many thoughts and suggestions fly through our minds; there is that imminent temptation of trying other means without God. But, can God be late? Is it possible for God to step into a situation where we exclaim “Oh God, you should have come an hour ago. Now it’s too late!” Can God be late? The truth is this: God cannot be late. Let’s find out why.
WHY GOD CANNOT BE LATE
HE CONTROLS TIME: Lateness is a function of time. Most often, you reason that God is coming too late because he did not come in your own time. Remember, eternity exists in God; therefore, there is no lateness in God’s actions. He has made everything beautiful in his time (Eccl. 3:10) not in your time.
HE IS ALL-KNOWING: God is all-knowing. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows what you are going through; he knows the right time to step into the situation. He knows all things. Therefore, no matter what you are going through, be sure of this: Your Father knows (Matthew 6:32).
HE IS OMNIPOTENT: God is all-powerful. He can do anything, anytime, anywhere. There is no impossibility with God (Jeremiah 32:27).
REASONS FOR DELAY
TO SHOW GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY: God is sovereign. He cannot be pushed around by mere mortals. If God answers ALL our prayers or always responds at the time we expect him, then he will no longer be God. He is no longer sovereign.
TO REVEAL MAN’S LIMITATIONS: Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Sometimes, God delays so as to allow us exhaust all humanly-possible avenues. Therefore, when he finally steps into the situation, no one can deny it is God. He could have delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before been thrown into the furnace, but he didn’t. He could have delivered Daniel before been thrown into the lions’ den, but he didn’t. Yet, he wasn’t late in delivering them. In fact, the seeming delay brought more glory to God.
TO MAKE US MATURE: Life is in stages; men are in sizes. Sometimes, God delays a process in order to teach us patience – a necessary ingredient for maturity. Add to your faith …….. Patience (2 Peter 1:5-6). Some of us have “great” faith but when the answers to our prayers seem delayed, we give up. Delay is not denial; add patience to your faith.
WHAT TO DO WHEN GOD SEEMS LATE
BUILD YOUR FAITH (Jude vs 20): The best time to learn is in times of adversity. We can learn more lessons in hard times than in good times. There’s a positive lesson in every negative circumstance. Hence, when God seems late, it’s time to build up and strengthen your faith; it’s the best time to toughen your faith in God. Build up your faith.
LEARN PATIENCE (2 Peter 1:6): Patience as a virtue cannot be learnt or acquired by reading books (not even the Bible). You can build up your faith through scripture study and listening to inspiring words but patience is not gotten that way. Patience, which adds flavour and durability to your faith, only comes through hard times when God seem to come late. Add patience to your faith.
PRAISE HIM (1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 5:20): It is okay to praise God after a miracle. But can you sincerely praise him when the going gets tough and the future appears blurred? Can we truly praise him when he comes “late”? However, the best time to praise God is when he comes “late”. When it seems as God is coming too late, he is coming in a big way. Praise him and he will do it.
Many of us have missed God’s blessing for our lives simply because he seems to come late. God is a God of purpose; when he comes late , he has a reason for that. Therefore, there’s no cause for alarm; your father knows all you’re going through and he’s bringing you out. Don’t give up. When God comes late, he comes big.
