Completed in divine delays
For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 2 Corinthians 13:9
“Why does it take so long”? We cannot help but question about the delays of the promises or being in a waiting situation for a prolonged time. Often, we view those "delays" as failures and setbacks, or as doubt and disappointment, and we wonder, "What's wrong with me? ” It is downright painful, and indeed, deferring hope makes the heart sick. Proverbs 13:12
Since my born again experience in 2013, I have endured a decade of uncertainty and even hardships that I am begging God not to let me experience the same hell again. Christian life does not guarantee a smooth and comfortable life, and I somehow experienced what Paul describes as “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, yet possessing all things.” 2 Corinthians 6:10
Through God's grace, I realized that all these delays and setbacks are not meaningless or shameful. My life appears to be nothing but I possess every spiritual blessing, which serves a greater purpose to make me "complete". "Complete" in today's key verse is Katartismos, which means preparation, equipment, and completion. It is an important process to develop spiritual maturity and refine our character and faith in God.
Joseph's story is the powerful testimony of a man of process during a time of "divine delays". Having sold Joseph to the Egyptians as a slave, being a prisoner in the dungeon, and the cupbearer forgetting him for "two full years". Through all those delays, God refined Joseph tremendously, from an inexperienced reckless dreamer to a gifted dream interpreter.
During those waiting years, Joseph continues to grow in his giftings and be steadfast in God. Joseph was then ready to interpret Pharaoh's dreams when the divine appointment arrived, a process of completion that refined his wisdom and character as the ruler of Egypt
Despite delays and hardships, Joseph's faith and integrity remain unwavering. As God turns our delays into divine appointments, completion also entails "restoration", as Joseph received radical restoration and brought redemption to Israel.
Divine appointments are behind delays and setbacks. We surrender our control and let go of our human reasoning by asking "why these things happened to me", and we choose to keep our faith and develop our giftings so that we can proclaim, "We believe in God's perfect timing!".
Blessing prayer : May God preserve our faith in times of delay and be ready and open to your divine appointments. In Jesus’ name, Amen
