When we encounter delays in the fulfillment of God’s promises, it’s easy to slip into negative attitudes. Let’s explore the wrong attitudes to avoid and the right ones to adopt, along with insights from the book of Ezra.
What are ‘Wrong Attitudes’?
Doubting God’s Voice
One common reaction to delay is to doubt that we ever heard God correctly. We might question our initial conviction and wonder if we misinterpreted His guidance. This doubt can erode our faith and lead us away from God’s truth.
Then the people around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. — Ezra 4:4-5
The people of Judah faced significant opposition and delays in rebuilding the temple. Despite these challenges, doubting God’s promise would have only added to their discouragement.
Frustration and Fear
Another negative response is to become frustrated and fearful about the future. This attitude can open the door to demonic oppression, causing us to lose peace and become anxious about what lies ahead.
Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. — Ezra 4:24
The work on the temple came to a standstill, leading to frustration and fear among the people. However, these emotions did not lead to progress; instead, they halted the fulfillment of God’s promise.
What are ‘Right Attitudes’?
Unshakable Faith
What should we do instead? Despite the delay, we must hold onto the belief that God’s word will come to pass. Maintaining unshakable faith in God is essential.
Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. — Ezra 5:1-2
Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the leaders and people of Judah resumed their work with renewed faith, trusting that God’s promise would be fulfilled despite previous delays.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
God’s promises are true, and His timing is impeccable. Even when we don’t see immediate results, we can trust He is at work.
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. — Romans 8:25
Patience and faith are intertwined. Trusting in God’s timing brings peace and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Delays can challenge our faith, but by avoiding doubt and fear and maintaining steadfast trust in God, we can navigate these periods with grace. Remember, God’s promises are always fulfilled in His perfect time.
The story of the rebuilding of the temple in the book of Ezra reminds us that God’s work may face opposition and delay, but His purposes will ultimately prevail. By adopting the right attitudes and holding onto God’s promises, we can grow in our faith and trust His perfect plan.
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