Delay And Denial

Talking things over is always the best resolution.  The Lord has told us to “Settle matters quickly.”

Posted on

Have you been asking for something and haven’t seen it come to pass yet?  Maybe you’ve been delayed and awaiting the time to take off.

As I read through the story of Jesus and Lazarus, I see His delay in coming to the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  He heard their request that their brother was sick, but Jesus purposely stayed where He was, two more days.

The disciples didn’t even want Him to go back to Judea.  They said, “Rabbi, a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you and yet you are going back there?”  (John 11: 8)  

  • There are times we must go back and do what God told us to do before we receive another answer or another assignment.
  • There are times we are to go back before we merge ahead.
  • There are times God brings back to life what we thought was dead.

I am not in any way saying to live in the past.  I’m saying that there are things that God wants us to take care of that are part of our spiritual growth.  Looking back is healthy, but continually looking back and living there is unhealthy.  Each person and situation is different, but God provides wisdom to know if there is something we need to revisit.

What situation or relationship have we thought was dead, but God may want to resurrect?

Mary and Martha thought it was too late!  In fact, when Jesus arrived on the scene, Martha ran to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.  She was disappointed, I am sure, that He didn’t answer her request.  Martha felt that way too.  She said, “If you had been there, my brother would not have died.  But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  (John 11: 21-22)  

What are you asking for?  Even now God is able.

Jesus presents these sisters with a challenge.  He says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though He dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  (John 11: 25-26) 

  • Our even though can become our even now.  Do we believe this?  (Shared from John 11: 1-27, Modified)  

God’s timing is usually different than ours.

The Psalmist stated, “I choose the appointed time.”  (Psalm 75: 2) 

“As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.  (Psalm 75:9)  (Shared from Psalm 75, Modified)  

Denying Godly Wisdom Can Cause Division.

Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, is made king over southern Israel (Judah) after his father dies.  Jeroboam, king over northern Israel, who had fled to Egypt, returned to see Rehoboam and asked, “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us and we will serve you.”  (2 Chronicles 10: 4)  

So not knowing what to do, he consults the elders and they advised him, “If you will be kind to these people, please them and give a favorable answer they will be your servants.”  (2 Chronicles 10: 7)  

  • Stepping in as a new leader is always a good idea to be kind and win the favor of the people who serve you.
  • This is a kingdom principle,  that carries over to the business world as well.
  • This principle helps people transition better.
  • Coming in as a newly appointed leader with a tyranny-type of spirit, provides resistance and not resolution.

Well, Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the younger ones, “Who had grown up with him and were serving him.”  (2 Chronicles 10: 8)  

Here’s the advice these youngins gave to the king, “Tell the people who have said to you, “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.  Tell them, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.  My father laid a heavy yoke;  I will make it even heavier!  My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.”  (2 Chronicles 10: 10-11)

Not nice!  Demons are not nice!  Yokes thrown upon man come to oppress and hold down, hold back and bring destruction. That’s why Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you.  My yoke is easy, my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11: 29-30) 

  • Wanting to inflict hurt and pain on another person is not from the Spirit of God, but from another spirit. That spirit would be a demonic spirit.
  • Operating like this can have a generational effect on an entire household, an entire nation.

So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.  (2 Chronicles 10: 19)  

  • What rebellion has God wanted to end, this day, but our pride wouldn’t let us?
  • What spirit or Spirit are we yielding to?
  • We know the answer, we need not deny and delay to make the change or make it right.

Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he and his army to make war against Israel and to regain the kingdom for Rehoboam.

  • Our efforts to regain the kingdom are not for our kingdom, but for His.

Rehoboam was instructed by the prophet, Shemaiah, to “Not fight against your brothers.”  (2 Chronicles 11: 4)  It was time to choose.

  • Obedience is always the best choice.
  • Disobedience takes years to mend, don’t subject yourself to all of that unnecessary pain.
  • Learn to deal with things immediately, it will save a lot of heartache and a lot of money from all the counselor’s fees.

This verse keeps standing out to me, “Do not fight against your brothers…” and I will emphasize and add, nor your sisters, or father or mother or your family members, etc.  It’s ok to choose not to fight. Let the Lord be your defense.

Talking things over is always the best resolution.  The Lord has told us to “Settle matters quickly.”  (Matthew 5: 25)  

Why can’t hurting people just talk with one another?  A lot of misunderstandings can be our own misperceptions “For He…has broken down the dividing wall.”  (Ephesians 2: 14)  The enemy keeps erecting it, and we are caging ourselves in!

Lord Jesus, we need you…  Too many have been divided; when God wanted us to be united.

Too many are broken; when we chose to be neutral and unspoken.

Too many want to be right; when God wants to shine His light.  

Too many choose to embrace hurt and pain; when God wants to deliver us and send His healing rain.  

Don’t delay and live in denial.

His timing is perfect for repair; God will help us to confront, for our sin He will bear.  

He has a time to release His manifested love; the time is now which comes from above.  

So don’t be afraid and hold off from returning; He’s testing us as students always to be learning.  

When we do what’s right; we walk in His love, power, and might. 

 

Featured Image by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com