Episode 56: Why Does God Delay?

<p class="p1">In Podcast Episode 56, “Why Does God Delay?,” Kim discusses this question we all have asked, especially during the most challenging seasons of life. Since this podcast is being recorded in the first month of COVID-19 in the States, many people are asking this question daily. From scripture, what are some of the reasons we see God will delay?</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">TO ALLOW CONSEQUENCES OF BAD DECISIONS</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 9:22-57, with the focal scriptures 22-23.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">22 After Abimelech had ruled over Israel for three years, 23 God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted. </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">One of the most challenging questions in this life will always be: “Why Does God Delay?” Each time I read our scriptures for this podcast, that is the question I always envision the Israelites asking.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">The people of Shechem chose an evil leader just “because” he was their relative, and the Israelite nation reaped the poorly sown seeds. Three years under the tyrannical rule of Abimelech must have felt like 3 decades.</p> <p class="p1"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus'></a></p> <p class="p1">TO SHOW GOD’S GLORY AND TO POINT PEOPLE TO JESUS</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">We have probably asked the question a time or two or three hundred (probably in the last 3 weeks).</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Even two of Jesus’ best friends had the same question.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">John 11 is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Listen to the “Why Does God Delay?” tone in both Martha and Mary: </p> <ul class="ul1"><li class="li1">21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. </li> <li class="li1">32 When Mary arrive