Handling Life’s Delays — Protected in the Pause | Mike Prah Sermon

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Handling Life’s Delays — Protected in the Pause
Through It All—Finding God’s Strength in Hard Times (Part 2)
Mike Prah 

“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 34:19 (NLT)

"Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3 (AMP)

1. SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE — DELAY IS NOT  

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” Psalm 105:19 (NLT)

“Do not forget this one thing … with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8–9 (NIV)

Wisdom Take-Away:
What feels like a delay is often God aligning everything for my appointed time.

2. EMBRACE THE   — PREPARATION OVER PANIC

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road .. even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.” Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

“Be still. Be patient. Expect the Eternal [God] to arrive and set things right. Don’t get upset when you see the worldly ones rising up the ladder. Don’t be bothered by those who are anchored in wicked ways.” Psalm 37:7 (The Voice)

Wisdom Take-Away:
God often takes you the long way so you become the right person for what He promised.

3. CHANGE YOUR RESPONSE — WAIT WITH WORSHIPFUL  

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14, NIV

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 (NIV)

Wisdom Take-Away:
How I respond in the delay determines what God can release after the delay.