Delay Tactics
Greatest delay tactics I’ve ever seen are those from the under five group. Best witnessed when it’s nap time or bed time. One more story, one more drink of water, few more minutes rocking, night light on – no off – no on, and best one: one more hug and kiss.
I think they’re afraid they’ll miss something. That’s us. Most of the delays we try are because of fear. Fear we’ll make the wrong decision, fear we’ll miss out if we allow change, fear that if we admit we’re not in control things won’t turn out right, fear that…God doesn’t want the outcome we want.
Ann Voskamp recently said: “He who is driven by fears, delays the comfort of God.”
If that is true, then we have a good reason to not let fear be a motivator. No more what ifs, then whats, or let’s wait. Fear tells us to worry about how things will be, when God wants us to live in what is and trust that He’s bigger – and what He gives is better. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,” (2Corinthians 1:3 BSB)
A man named Jonah learned long ago that delaying God’s plans is a lot more dreadful than walking in those plans. He ran one way, but even a sea voyage couldn’t change his ultimate destination. We, like Jonah, could save a lot of drama and trauma, if we wouldn’t run from His plan.
Our delay tactics in making a move, changing jobs, reprimanding a child, asking forgiveness of our spouse, doing the work it takes to get healthy, accepting the challenge of what is instead of wishing for what was, and mourning the past while missing the present – rob us of what God wants to show us as He shows up over and over in the moments of now.
Like a three year old fighting drowsy eyelids, we often think of all the reasons our way will work out best instead of accepting the unfolding plan of God.
Here’s the ultimate reward of God’s comfort: “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2Corinthians 1:4 BSB) So that we can comfort others…we live in a world in much need of comfort.
parisrenae 
I had not thought of delay tactics coming from my fears…but you are so right after I gave it some thought! Thank you for sharing, will be working on my procrastination!
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Yes, the quote from Ann Voskamp made me realize that I still want to call the shots instead of trusting God. Blessings as you find His comfort and spread it to others…
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We are so much like infants, aren’t we? Thanks for this lesson.
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Yes we are – a work in progress til we see Him face to face. Blessings as you let go of those delay tactics…
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This is for me. Delay tactics are where I’m at right now and it’s all because of fear; what if this doesn’t work out? Saving this post and holding on to this line: “Fear tells us to worry about how things will be when God wants us to live in what is and trust that He’s bigger – and what He gives is better.”
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Fear does speak loud – but the voice of the Holy Spirit is steady. Blessings as you hold on to the Savior and trust His best…
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Wow, when I implement my self-salvation strategies, I delay the comfort of God. Thought provoking!
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The quote from Ann Voskamp is one to think on for a bit. Have never really thought about how fear delays the comfort of God, and yet, it does. Thought provoking.
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Yes, it surely is, I don’t want to get in the way of His comfort! Blessings as you allow His comfort to replace any delay tactics…
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