I want you to know that church is not a spectator sport. Preaching of the Gospel is not a spectator sport. The vision God has for you and His church (they go hand in hand) is not a spectator sport.

I'm sorry to inform you, sir or ma'am, that your plans are facing an unexpected delay. Blame it on the tangled traffic, the long lines at Walmart's grocery section, or the mysterious forces affecting your dreams, calling, and prayers. Delays are undoubtedly inconvenient and frustrating hurdles in life.

But think of delays like a double-sided coin. On one side, they cause disruptions, leading to irritation and frustration. On the other side, however, delays can bring unexpected benefits. It's like a cosmic puzzle: should we let frustration take over, or should we gracefully align with the complexities of God's timing?

When facing these pauses and life's unexpected challenges, the key is finding a balance between frustration and adaptability. Do we let impatience rule, or do we see delays as chances to reevaluate our plans? The answer lies in embracing delays not just as obstacles but as opportunities for reflection, improvement, and the discovery of God's faithfulness woven into the fabric of His story for our life.

As we navigate the path between anticipation and progress, let's stay tuned to the hidden beauty within pauses, the quiet harmony waiting for our attention, and the surprising blessings that may emerge from inconvenient delays, shaping the course of our journey.

John 11 - Lazarus Raised From the Dead

DELAYS HAPPEN

John 11:4-7 (NLT)

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.

We tend to mistake the delay

   • We can't let the delay derail the dream or fracture our faith

       • We often mistake the delay for a denial. When actually the delay leads to a development of our faith. God will do what He promised.

           • His delay always leads to a greater blessing

IN THE DELAY WE NEED TO MAKE GOD’S WORD OUR DELIGHT

Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)

These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

We need to understand who’s in our corner

   • Delays are bearable with a great corner & proper vision

       • With God all things are possible so...

STONES AND DEATH CAN’T STOP GOD'S PLAN

John 11:38-44 (NLT)

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

The situation WILL ALWAYS BE a stage for God’s glory

THE STONES PEOPLE THROW AT YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR THE STONE YOUR LIFE IS BUILT ON

       • NOT EVEN death can’t stop a disciple of Jesus

           • The stone meant to keep you locked away can’t keep you locked down when the chief corner stone calls you

Matthew 19:26 (MSG)

Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”

It’s time to come out of the bondage in 2024 - our freedom has already been purchased

   • Shake off the things that have held you back

       • When God says come out you come out

           • The stains of death can’t hold you when you are called by God

               • Death doesn’t get the final say