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God’s delays are name changers

Have you ever lifted a prayer to God but had to wait hours for His response? Days? Months? Years?

I’ve learned — although I don’t necessarily like it — God’s timing is always perfect. And His answer is always the best one for me.

Most times, as I wait for His answer, His character is revealed to me, and when I do receive His response, my thoughts of Him have changed.

Over the years, God has become Jehovah Jireh (“The Lord will provide”) to me. He has become Jehovah Rapha (“The God who heals”). He has become Jehovah Shalom (“The Lord is peace”).

There are many accounts in the Bible where we see the name of God changed.

In Mark 4:39, the disciples’ idea of God changed from Teacher to Master as they witnessed Jesus mastering the winds and waves.

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:39, NIV).

In John 11:43, Martha and Mary’s idea of God changed from Healer to Resurrection as they witnessed Jesus raise their brother from the dead.

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face (John 11:43, NIV).

And even in the Christmas story, God’s name changes. In Matthew 1:24, Joseph’s idea of God changed from Elohim (God) to Immanuel (God with Us).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus (Matthew 1:24, NIV).

In each of these accounts, we know there is a gap of time where the pray-er had to wait. There was an intense time of internal debate. The disciples had to wait for Jesus to wake up. The sisters had to wait for Jesus to arrive. Joseph had to wait for the revelation of the angel.

In the gap, they had to wait. They had to listen. They had to accept that God knew what He was doing. In His perfect timing.

And in doing so, He changed His name in their minds.

We need to learn not to despise the gaps. God is behind the scenes preparing.

Delays are name changes. God will take you to a greater revelation of Himself than you’ve had before.

Wait for it.

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