June 16th, 2024
by Dr. Jimmy Arthur Atkins
by Dr. Jimmy Arthur Atkins
Dealing with Delays: A Message for Dads
Life is full of unexpected delays, and as fathers, we often find ourselves navigating these moments not just for ourselves but for our families too. Whether it's career setbacks, financial hurdles, or family challenges, delays can test our patience. However, the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:21-23 offers profound lessons on how to handle these delays with grace and faithfulness.
Joseph's life was marked by a series of delays. He was his father Jacob's pride and joy, adorned with a coat of many colors, which made his brothers envious. Joseph had dreams of greatness, but his brothers' jealousy led them to sell him into slavery. Even when falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph's faith did not waver. This experience offers some powerful lessons we can all emulate.
1. Don’t Let Disappointments Stop Your Devotion to God
In life, we often face disappointments that can shake our faith. However, Joseph's story teaches us that our devotion to God should not be contingent on our circumstances. Joseph remained loyal and committed to God even when he was in prison. In other words, he didn't let his disappointments stop his devotion. Similarly, we must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God's delays are often for our development. Sometimes, we are not ready for what we desire, and God uses these delays to prepare us for greater things.
2. Keep the Fire of Your Faith Burning Bright
To navigate delays, we must keep the fire of our faith burning bright by adding something to the flame. 2 Peter 1:5-8 encourages us to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities fuel our faith and keep us from becoming ineffective. As people of faith, we need to continually refuel our faith through prayer, trust, and reliance on God. When our faith is strong, we can face adversities with resilience. In doing so, we become examples to our children, showing them how to trust God in difficult times.
3. Do the Work While Waiting on God to Deliver
Joseph didn't sit idly in prison; he worked diligently and found favor with the warden, who put him in charge of the entire operation. This teaches us that even in times of delay, there is work that can be done. We can use these times to prepare for the future. For example, write down your vision, work on your business plan, seek mentorship, and develop new skills while you are waiting. By staying productive, we position ourselves to receive God's promises when the time is right.
Summary
In conclusion, delays are a part of life, but they don't have to derail our purpose. As fathers we have the responsibility to lead our families through these times with unwavering devotion, a burning faith, and diligent work. Remember, a delay is not a denial. God is always on time, and He is working behind the scenes for our good. Your family is watching how you handle the wait. Lead them with faith knowing that God's timing is perfect.
Life is full of unexpected delays, and as fathers, we often find ourselves navigating these moments not just for ourselves but for our families too. Whether it's career setbacks, financial hurdles, or family challenges, delays can test our patience. However, the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:21-23 offers profound lessons on how to handle these delays with grace and faithfulness.
Joseph's life was marked by a series of delays. He was his father Jacob's pride and joy, adorned with a coat of many colors, which made his brothers envious. Joseph had dreams of greatness, but his brothers' jealousy led them to sell him into slavery. Even when falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph's faith did not waver. This experience offers some powerful lessons we can all emulate.
1. Don’t Let Disappointments Stop Your Devotion to God
In life, we often face disappointments that can shake our faith. However, Joseph's story teaches us that our devotion to God should not be contingent on our circumstances. Joseph remained loyal and committed to God even when he was in prison. In other words, he didn't let his disappointments stop his devotion. Similarly, we must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God's delays are often for our development. Sometimes, we are not ready for what we desire, and God uses these delays to prepare us for greater things.
2. Keep the Fire of Your Faith Burning Bright
To navigate delays, we must keep the fire of our faith burning bright by adding something to the flame. 2 Peter 1:5-8 encourages us to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities fuel our faith and keep us from becoming ineffective. As people of faith, we need to continually refuel our faith through prayer, trust, and reliance on God. When our faith is strong, we can face adversities with resilience. In doing so, we become examples to our children, showing them how to trust God in difficult times.
3. Do the Work While Waiting on God to Deliver
Joseph didn't sit idly in prison; he worked diligently and found favor with the warden, who put him in charge of the entire operation. This teaches us that even in times of delay, there is work that can be done. We can use these times to prepare for the future. For example, write down your vision, work on your business plan, seek mentorship, and develop new skills while you are waiting. By staying productive, we position ourselves to receive God's promises when the time is right.
Summary
In conclusion, delays are a part of life, but they don't have to derail our purpose. As fathers we have the responsibility to lead our families through these times with unwavering devotion, a burning faith, and diligent work. Remember, a delay is not a denial. God is always on time, and He is working behind the scenes for our good. Your family is watching how you handle the wait. Lead them with faith knowing that God's timing is perfect.
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments