We’ve all been there—holding onto a dream or a desire, only to watch it slip further and further away. Proverbs 13:12 reminds us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” The truth is, dreams are rarely fulfilled immediately. The word “deferred” here means “delayed or postponed.” It’s during these delays that our desires are truly tested. If a dream can be easily lost, perhaps it wasn’t meant to be.
When our dreams are delayed, disappointment often creeps in.
Disappointment, at its core, is simply “misplaced appointment”—things not happening when or how we expected. But remember, delay does not mean denial. Just because your dream hasn’t come to pass yet, doesn’t mean it won’t. There’s a world of difference between “no” and “not yet.”
Take the children of Israel, for example. What should have been an 11-day journey from Egypt to the Promised Land ended up taking 40 years. Exodus 13:17-18 tells us that God intentionally led them on a longer route, knowing they weren’t ready to face the challenges ahead. Their delay was by design, a necessary part of their preparation.
Delays can either discourage or develop us. The Israelites allowed their delay to discourage them, prolonging their journey. But if we choose to let delays develop us, we can experience God’s deliverance in a profound way.
Here are three things to remember when you’re facing delays:
- Don’t Fret
Psalm 37:4, 7-8 encourages us to delight in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act. Even when it seems like everyone else is moving forward, don’t let worry take over. Keep your hope alive, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. - Don’t Faint
Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to lose heart in doing good, for at the appointed time, we will reap the rewards if we don’t give up. It’s easy to grow weary, but persistence in faith and action will lead to fulfillment. - Don’t Forget
Psalm 106:7-8 warns us against forgetting God’s past kindnesses. In times of delay, it’s crucial to remember how He has come through before. Even when things seem bleak, God’s faithfulness remains.
In closing, let’s reflect on Habakkuk 2:3: “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!”
God is developing you in the delay. Hold on—your fulfillment is on its way. Don’t Fret, Don’t Faint, Don’t Forget.
Keep the fire burning!!!
