How can we trust God's promises when facing delays in our own lives? Setting the scene Ezekiel 12:28 declares, “Therefore declare to them: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: None of My words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be fulfilled, declares the Lord GOD.’” God’s people in Ezekiel’s day doubted because judgment had been prophesied for years and nothing seemed to change. The Lord answered: delay is not denial; every word He speaks arrives right on time. Understanding God’s assurance in Ezekiel 12:28 • God ties His own name to His promise—He cannot lie or fail (Numbers 23:19). • “None of My words will be delayed any longer” means every prophecy has a fixed, sovereign timetable. • “The word that I speak will be fulfilled” underscores His absolute authority: once spoken, fulfillment is guaranteed. Why delays happen from our perspective • Preparation: God shapes character during waiting (James 1:3-4). • Protection: unseen dangers are removed before the promise arrives (Exodus 13:17-18). • Greater glory: a later fulfillment often magnifies His power (John 11:4, 40). • Wider blessing: His timing weaves our story into the good of others (Genesis 50:20). Four anchors for trusting God amid waiting 1. God’s nature – Hebrews 10:23: “He who promised is faithful.” – Trust flows from knowing the Promise-Giver, not measuring visible progress. 2. God’s track record – Joshua 21:45: “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled.” – Past faithfulness fuels present confidence. 3. God’s timetable – Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.” – He acts at the “appointed time,” never early, never late. 4. God’s patience toward people – 2 Peter 3:9: apparent slowness often equals mercy, giving room for repentance or spiritual growth. Encouraging examples from Scripture • Abraham waited decades, yet “was strengthened in his faith… being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). • Joseph’s dreams took thirteen years and a prison sentence before emerging in the palace (Genesis 41). • Simeon held God’s word for perhaps a lifetime before seeing the infant Messiah (Luke 2:25-32). • The early church waited ten days in prayer before the Spirit rushed in at Pentecost (Acts 2). Living out trust today • Meditate daily on promises—write them out, speak them aloud. • Thank God in advance; gratitude shifts focus from delay to certainty. • Serve faithfully where you are (Luke 16:10); obedience in the small readies you for the larger. • Surround yourself with believers who rehearse God’s faithfulness, not doubt it (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Rest—“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). Takeaways for daily life • God’s promises are as reliable as His character—unchanging and true. • What feels like a pause to us is precise timing to Him. • Waiting seasons are never wasted; they forge faith and reveal His glory. • When God says, “None of My words will be delayed any longer,” trust that the moment He appoints will arrive, and His word will stand fulfilled. |
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