When God Delays

     “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1

      One of the most difficult times for faithful saints is when trouble strikes and God does not immediately come to their aid. In the case of the psalmist he compared it to God hiding when He was needed most. This becomes especially troubling when evil seems to be entirely unfettered to run rampant, even trampling good people striving to remain faithful to their God. Why doesn’t God destroy all evil right now? Why does God allow wickedness not just to exist, but also prosper?

     History is replete with instances of God sending His terrible “days of the Lord” upon wicked nations and people. Where are the wicked empires of Babylon, Persia, and Rome? They each faced their days of God’s wrath and faded into the dusty annuls of history because of it. Yet many faithful people were forced to suffer tremendously during their wicked, tyrannical reigns. Undoubtedly those hurting souls poured their hearts out before God on a daily basis asking why He permitted such wickedness to exist. Take a moment to read the three short chapters of Habakkuk to see an extraordinarily faithful man taking these very questions directly to God.

     When God delays there are certain things we need to keep in the forefront of our minds:

     -God, in His unsearchable wisdom, acts in His time (Eccl. 3:11; 1 Timothy 6:15)

    -God’s delays do not mean He has answered “no” to our prayers. 

    -One cannot claim to have lasting faith until that faith has been tested.           God’s delays provide the testing grounds (Hebrews 12:3-7).

    -God loves His children and will never allow them to be tried beyond their ability to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

   -The ultimate reward for perseverance is far beyond description (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

     So take heart!  When God acts it is always to the benefit of His people!