Episode 100

Delayed Miracles

Sunday, July 27, 202543 min

Join Pastor Greg as he continues his series titled "Strange Miracles".

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Transcript

Devotionals from This Message

Five short reflections drawn from this message — Monday through Friday.

Daily devotion

When God Says 'Wait'

Monday

"While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher anymore?' Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'" - Mark 5:35-36

We all face seasons of waiting. Whether it's waiting for healing, restoration, a new job, or a breakthrough, delays can test our faith like nothing else. When our prayers seem to go unanswered, we often wonder if God is listening at all.

The story of Jairus in Mark 5 offers profound insight into divine delays. This synagogue leader came to Jesus in desperation, his daughter at death's door. But on the way to Jairus's house, Jesus stopped to heal someone else. During this delay, messengers arrived with devastating news: Jairus's daughter had died.

Imagine the anguish Jairus felt. If only Jesus hadn't stopped. If only they had moved faster. If only the delay hadn't happened. Yet in this moment of crushing disappointment, Jesus spoke seven powerful words that still echo today: 'Do not be afraid; only believe.'

Delays in our lives aren't necessarily denials. They're opportunities to deepen our trust in God's timing and purposes. When God says 'wait,' He's not saying 'no'—He's saying 'not yet,' and there's profound purpose in the waiting.

"Delayed does not mean denied. You have to realize that. That just because something has been delayed in your life and it's not on your timetable and the way you think it should be, just because it's been delayed does not mean the request has been denied."

Reflect: What situation in your life feels delayed right now, and how might God be using this waiting period to strengthen your faith?

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust Your timing even when I don't understand the delays. Replace my impatience with peace and my anxiety with confidence in Your perfect plan. When I'm tempted to give up, remind me that a delay is not a denial. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Summary

Pastor preaches on the concept of 'delayed miracles,' emphasizing that a delay from God doesn't mean denial. Using the story from Mark 5 about Jairus and his daughter, alongside the woman with the issue of blood, the sermon illustrates how God's timing may not match our expectations. When Jairus sought Jesus to heal his dying daughter, a delay occurred when the woman with the issue of blood was healed, during which time Jairus's daughter died. Yet Jesus still performed the miracle, resurrecting her instead of merely healing her.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your perfect timing in our lives, we ask that You open our hearts to understand that Your delays are not denials. Help us to see beyond our frustrations and disappointments to recognize Your hand still moving on our behalf. Give us patience and strengthen our faith during seasons of waiting. May this discussion draw us closer to You and to each other as we learn to trust Your timing. In Jesus' name, amen.

Questions

How do you typically respond to delays in your life, especially when you've been praying for something specific?

In the sermon, the pastor says 'delayed does not mean denied.' How might this perspective change how you view God's timing in your life?

Jesus told Jairus, 'Don't be afraid, only believe.' How does fear impact our faith during times of waiting?

The sermon mentions limiting your circle during difficult times. Who are the 'Peter, James, and John' in your life that you can count on when facing challenges?

What 'tumult' (confusion, disorder, chaos, noise) might you need to remove from your life to better hear God and receive your miracle?

The pastor emphasized that God's answer is always 'yes' based on 2 Corinthians 1:19-20. How do you reconcile this with prayers that seem unanswered?

Share about a time when God's delay in answering your prayer actually resulted in something better than what you originally asked for.

What miracle or answer to prayer have you given up on that you need to start believing for again?

Life Application

This week, identify one area in your life where you've given up hope because of a delay. Write down this prayer request and God's promises that relate to it. Then, intentionally remove any 'tumult' (negative voices, distractions, or chaos) that might be hindering your faith. Each day, spend time thanking God in advance for His 'yes' to this request, even if you don't see the answer yet. Share your renewed hope with your 'inner circle' of trusted believers who can stand in faith with you.

Key Takeaways

A delay in God's answer doesn't mean He has denied your request; His timing is different from ours.

Fear can diminish our faith during delays; Jesus encourages us to 'not be afraid, only believe.'

During difficult times, we need to be selective about who we allow to speak into our situation.

We must remove the 'tumult' (confusion, chaos, and negative voices) from our lives to receive our miracle.

All of God's promises are 'yes' and 'amen' in Christ Jesus; He doesn't give 'no' answers to His promises.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that Your delays are not denials. Forgive us for the times we've given up on prayers because they weren't answered according to our timeline. Restore our faith in Your promises and help us to trust Your perfect timing. Give us the courage to remove any tumult from our lives that hinders our faith. Surround us with believers who will stand with us during difficult seasons. We choose today to believe that Your answer to Your promises is always 'yes' and 'amen.' Thank You for being faithful even when we struggle to understand Your ways. In Jesus' name, amen.

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