4926 delay, human

Human delay is often the result of fear, indecision or disobedience to God. Scripture indicates that delay is to be avoided.

Examples of delay as a result of fear

Israel entering the promised land Nu 13:31-32 See also Nu 13:1-3,17-20,27-30; Nu 14:33-35

Gideon responding to God’s call Jdg 6:36-40

Examples of delay as a result of disobedience

Lot escaping from Sodom Ge 19:16 See also Ge 19:12-15

Jonah going to Nineveh Jnh 1:3 See also Ps 119:60; Jnh 1:1-2; Jnh 3:1-3 Jonah obeyed the second time.

Nothing should delay believers from following Jesus Christ

Mt 8:21-22 pp Lk 9:59-60 See also Mt 9:9; Mk 1:20; Lk 14:15-24; Lk 19:5-6

People should not delay in the matter of salvation

Isa 55:6 See also Am 6:3; Ac 24:24-26; 2Co 6:2; Heb 2:3

Believers are not to delay in fulfilling their vows to God and obligations to others

Ecc 5:4 See also Lev 19:13; Dt 23:21; Ps 61:8

Examples of human responses to delay

Sarah’s wrong response brought trouble Ge 16:1-6

Saul’s wrong response cost him the kingship 1Sa 13:11-12 See also 1Sa 13:8-10,13-14

Jacob responded with patience Ge 29:20-30

Paul responded by giving instructions to Timothy 1Ti 3:14-15

Daniel responded by praying Da 9:19 See also Da 9:1-23; Da 10:10-13 Gabriel explains the reason for the delay.

David reponded by calling on the Lord Ps 13:1; Ps 40:17; Ps 141:1

See also