First, God delays His response, in order to prepare us to receive what He’s going to give. Thomas Manton remarks, “The baker watches when the oven is hot, and then puts in the bread.” In other words, the oven must be warmed, before it’s ready to receive the bread. Similarly, our hearts must be prepared to receive what God gives. In delaying, God heightens our appreciation of His good gifts. The result is praise and thanksgiving. We prize those things for which we must work and wait.
Second, God delays His response, in order to make us more fervent in prayer. When a child is in need, he cries out to his father or mother. In that cry, he acknowledges his absolute dependence upon them. Likewise, when we cry out to God in prayer, we experience a most wonderful reality: God is our Father. As the Westminster Confession of Faith states, “All those that are justified… enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have His name put upon them; receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father” (XII). As our Father, God loves us (Matthew 10:29), hears us (Matthew 7:11), disciplines us (Hebrews 12:6), comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:3), protects us (Romans 16:20), forgives us (Romans 8:1), blesses us (1 Corinthians 2:9), and keeps us (Romans 8:30). He wants us to depend upon Him. Delays are often designed with that end in view.
Third, God delays His response, in order to prove our faith and perfect our patience. I’ve never understood the appeal of competitive weight-lifting. If I understand correctly, the weight-lifter must hold the weights above his head for three seconds. On some level, I suppose that’s an accomplishment. But the fact remains: it’s only three seconds! I have far greater admiration for the Angolan woman, who is able to carry a load of fire wood on her head, a baby on her back, and a jug of water in each hand, as she returns from the well that’s located a two hour walk from her home. Now, that’s strength! My point is this: enduring a delay for a day or two is one thing, but enduring a delay for a year or two is another thing entirely. Simply put, it’s a more perfect thing, because it requires both faith and patience.
Fourth, God delays His response, in order to magnify His work of providence. God doesn’t work when it pleases us most, but when it glorifies Him best. Recently, a friend shared with me a conversation he had with his five-year old son. They had been reading some of the great narratives in the Old Testament—all those great stories about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel. He asked his son, “What have these stories taught you about God.” His son’s reply: “God always waits to the last minute.” Out of the mouths of babes! God delights to delay before responding to prayer, in order to ensure that we don’t miss His wondrous works. In so doing, He magnifies His glory.
Quotable: “We despise easy-gotten favors, but that which is long and earnestly sought is dearer to us” (Thomas Manton).
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