At other times, you may see outcomes or results that don’t seem to match your decisions. You search and search for the cause but can’t identify the problem. Then, my friend, step back.
Could it be interference from the Father?
The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of destruction.” ,Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 16:25.
To you, the outcomes you desire seem right. You’ve seen them in the lives of successful people, and in fact, you’ve followed their steps faithfully. But the Heavenly Father who created you knows that the end of that path will not be good for you. Because He loves you too much, He will not allow it.
Yes, it hurts, you’ve invested so much in it and you were even prepared.
Let’s look at a simple scenario.
There’s a man, very wealthy. He can afford anything and everything. He has achieved a lot and helped many people. He has a five-year-old son whom he loves dearly and would not deny anything. The boy knows this.
One day, the boy goes to his father and asks for the car keys because he wants to go buy ice cream.
* The father has cars.
* The father loves the boy.
* The father has money for ice cream, and even more.
* Yet, the father refuses the boy’s request.
Is it because:
* The father cannot afford it?
* The father does not love the boy?
Of course not! It is because he loves him exceedingly.
Sometimes, our requests are not granted because the Father loves us too much to give us something that could harm us. The request itself may be right, it may not be sinful. In fact, others may be enjoying the same thing, yet you are denied. You’ve done all you know to do: you’ve fasted, prayed, read the Bible, yet, no result.
The Father loves you too much to give you what will destroy you.
There are many reasons why this happens, and as human beings, we can only imagine a few. Only God knows the true reason. But let us consider two possible reasons:
1. Timing
2. Maturity
TIMING
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
When a 14-year-old impregnates a 13-year-old, imagine the chaos! The pain it brings, to the parents, families, community, even the world at large.
Think about how many couples are desperate for a child, they would go to any length, spend all they have, and still are unable to conceive. The doctors are confused. Both are in perfect health, and even IVF has failed. The sperm and egg are fine, yet no child. Meanwhile, here are two children expecting a baby.
Now think about the baby. Yes, he or she could be put up for adoption, but what awaits that child? Some may argue the baby will have a better chance with loving adoptive parents, but do you know their hearts? Do you know what will happen to that child in 5, 10, or 20 years?
Timing is of the essence, in life and in God’s divine program.
So sometimes, things are delayed or even denied by God because of His timing. It is therefore important that you seek His will and understand His timing for your life. Some people succeed early, while others succeed later. It’s not about how big, but how well.
No wise businessman will invest in a venture destined to fail. God is a shrewd businessman. His investment is always aligned with His purpose, not just our desires.
He makes everything beautiful in its time.
(Psalms 1:3; Psalms 104:27; Psalms 145:15; Proverbs 15:23)
Oh, what beauty it is when things come at the right time not early, not late.
MATURITY
Maturity is the state of being ready or ripe, the prime stage of productivity and self-expression.
The ability to take responsibility is a sign of maturity. If you are not mature in God’s sight for what you desire, His love will cause Him to delay or deny it. You need to grow into maturity.
Maturity is not a gift of the Spirit, it’s something you must work toward deliberately. You pray, study the Word, and obey His directions. Growth is intentional.
God will not entrust His gifts to someone who refuses to grow. My dear, confession without obedience will not bring possession.
Listen, age is not maturity.
Attending church for 10 or 20 years does not make you a mature Christian. Going to church and hearing sermons without living them out will always lead to frustration.
When the Bible says, “You shall know the truth…”(John 8:32), it means:
– to be certain of,
– to become aware,
– to be acquainted and familiar with,
– to understand and discern through experience and study,
to recognize and grasp the true nature of something.
These do not come merely by listening with your physical ears.
When you become mature, you’ll realize that those very desires are waiting for the matured you.
Stay focused.