In Life, we come in contact with different types of people along side their baggage. While some are road blockers, some are access givers and others are set in place to display God’s glory. Whichever way it plays out, we must come into contact with them as catalysts for our personal growth and divine purpose.
We sometimes spend months or years on a particular phase in life, whether consciously or unconsciously, such was the case of the Israelites (Deut. 2 vs 14). From personal experience, when faced with delays or limitations, the best thing to do is to identify that there’s a limitation and seek God for clarity.
In all cases, we are told what to do – Whether to wait (because He wants to remould us and make us better), or repent of a particular sin like the Israelites and face the consequences, or because whatever is being asked for is not good for us at that moment, or it could be an attack from the enemy simply because we don’t know our authority in Christ (by not using the right Word of God to address the delay). In all cases, we have no power to determine the expiration date of the phase.
In any of these phases, forgiveness is essential as a condition for advancement. ‘Forgive us oh Lord, as we forgive others‘ –Matt. 6 vs 12 (paraphrased). We must be quick to forgive others in order to advance or grow. Other hindrances to growth include offence, jealousy, gossip, destroying other people, strife etc.
Learning to yield to God (which never comes easy) will prevent us from yielding to any of these vices and pave the way for us to advance .
Another essential factor is Trust. Trusting God, breaks down the wall of pride (the mindset of ‘I know what to do’ or ‘I can do it by myself‘). It means having to lean on Him for instructions, guidance and provision. Guardrails will be given in the form of cautions. This is all part of the ingredients required to mature us. Note that cautions were given not to meddle with the Moabites and Ammonites (Deut. 2 vs 16-19) Sometimes, God gives and preserves outward blessings for wicked men, but He always has better things in store for His children.
Another factor is contentment, we will be tested by this. Are we within the boundaries of God’s Word and instructions? Because it is very easy to go beyond the borderline due to the distraction of pleasing the flesh and not wanting to endure. There are other essential factors such as faith, love, submission or humility amongst others but they are not mentioned in this context.
At the set time of advancement, the Lord will give wisdom to know what to do, courage and boldness to take possession and favor to get to the desired destination. Just because, God said it, it doesn’t mean it will automatically come to pass, we still need to contend for the promises and instructions as soldiers of Christ. it is expected that, we still have to work for it.
Though we may be kept waiting long for deliverance and enlargement, it will come at last. For happy are those whom Jesus has delivered from the wrath to come. To them He has given His Spirit, hence, their inheritance cannot be affected by changes in earthly possessions or the shaking of kingdoms.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal